Things Fall Apart (Penguin Modern Classics) by Chi

by Fred Heiser

An exciting action adventure tale set in the near future against an all too possible nuclear holocaust. Believable, sympathetic characters and surprising plot twists make for a real page turner.

Unbound

First published August 18, 2002

Reviews

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chinua Achebe heeft een magische pen. Met deze vertelt hij het verhaal van Okonkwo en Afrika op een complexe maar toch eenvoudige manier.

De pracht en praal van dit boek is dat het verhaal van de Afrikaanse kolonisatie vertelt wordt vanuit Afrikaans perspectief en niet vanuit een westers standpunt. Westerlingen hebben in het verleden de tendens gehad om de Afrikanen als 'exotisch' neer te zetten. Achebe doet het tegenovergestelde. Hij haalt zowel de kwaliteiten als de tekortkomingen van zijn cultuur aan, waardoor het boek leest als een non-fictieve fictie.

Met zijn gelaagde moderne klassieker, zorgt een reread ervoor dat je de verschillende lagen van Achebe's werk begrijpt en het verhaal nog beter begrijpt dan de eerste lezing. Elk zelfstandig naamwoord, bijvoeglijk naamwoord en bijwoord draagt bij tot de ontknoping maar ook zeker aan de prachtige evolutie van het verhaal.

[John_galt · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh... obviously a first try. Had potential but kinda fizzled. Terrible editing errors, but that's not very important in my opinion.

[Prince Sparko Van Basten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why 2 stars?

Pros:

The theme of incoming colonialism and the downfall of a tribesman is interesting and original.

Cons:

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, for something so short, it felt like a chore to read.

The style is not very engaging and although I’ve read from others’ analysis that this is supposed to be on purpose to emulate the traditional native storytelling and other analysis that there was also a lack of detail because the writer did not want to appear like other colonial writers and exoticize the people and place he was writing about.

Overall whatever the reason for this style, it’s a huge missed opportunity because the story seems doesn’t build any suspense and just feels very dull.

[Paula Pope Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that was such an interesting read. I always knew Achebe was a landmark in literature, especially postcolonial, but i did know really know what to expect when i first got into this novel.
First of all his way of story telling is so different from what i am used to. Im not trying to be the one to racialise his writing but the non-linear/non-chronological approach to the story is so interesting! Its fascinating how one thought leads to another either in the past or in the present. Pretty much how we are used to think actually.
And how the narrative is framed as well. I was finding it weird how it lacked a plot as in a sequence of actions that lead us to a new place then i realised that the story is not really about okonkwo but about umuofia, how it was and how it no longer was. And, ultimately, about how colonisation just ended so many different cultures and peoples for the sake of civilization when in fact we have taken enough time now to realise how it was always about control, money and power.
Having realised this, the novel just became more powerful to me.

Anyway, it is a must and everyone should definitely read it. If not from research/interest in world history at least because it stands alone in such a beautiful and touching way, discussing more than what i've mentioned before but also a sense of belonging, masculinities and femininities, kinship, traditions, difficult family relations and whatnot.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book prompts deep reflection and contemplation on various subjects long after you’ve turned its final page. Its significance lies not only in its content but also in the era and circumstances of its creation, rather than purely in its literary merit. It invites meditation on humanity, the imposition of cultural norms, the concept of superiority, and the necessary boundaries for self-preservation. It delicately balances the fine line between acceptance and feeling overwhelmed, between embracing diversity and the unfamiliar, and maintaining the core beliefs that define individual or national identity

[Vicho Bookbender · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, an influential leader of the fictional Igbo ("Ibo" in the novel) clan of Umuofia. Among other things, he is a feared warrior and a local wrestling champion. The novel is split into three parts, with the first describing his family, personal history, his violent exterior and tortured soul, and the customs and society of the Igbo. The second and third sections introduce the influence of European colonialism and Christian missionaries on Okonkwo, his family, and the wider Igbo community.

[Horror Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the cover I was expecting this to be a nuclear war story, but sadly most of the book is just a middling, competently written take on the EMP apocalypse survivalist scenario.

[Sela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increíble libro, gran mensaje, me encantó la historia muy atrapante con mucho contenido.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out beautifully but I wasn’t so invested in the ending.

[Jennifer Wiget · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

i liked part 2 and especially part 3 but it just kind of focused on too many details and people. i really couldn’t get into the writing style

[Leni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can get past the last part of part 1 it’s heartbreakingly beautiful and will make you feel.