Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a tragic novel of the senseless deterioration of one man’s power, dignity, and eventually, life. It tells the story of a proud African leader and his family. When British missionaries invade their village in hopes of converting its people to Christianity, as the title suggests, things begin to fall apart. A man who was once respected and revered in his community is now forced to give up everything and shamefully retreat into obscurity, thanks to the onslaught of his alien oppressors. The novel underscores the disastrous effects that negative social relations between countries can spur. What happened to the village was more than mere misunderstanding, however. It is the primitive prejudices harbored against an innocent race that led to the eventual downfall of an entire village. The novel’s urgent message has run true through centuries, as history poignantly tends to repeat itself. It should be read and analyzed by all who comprehend the global magnitude of such blatant social catastrophes, and for those that don’t, this is a great place to start.
Reviewed by Tigran K.
Montrose Library
4 comments:
Okonkwo is respected by his tribe because he is a strong and fierce warrior. His fear is weakness and he doesn’t want to become like his father. His father was a man known for his laziness and cowardice. Okonkwo is living the life, having a nice house and money as well as three wives. Until, an accidental murder takes place and Okonkwo ends up adopting a boy from another village named Ikemefuna. He ends up loving Ikemefuna like a son more than his natural son, Nwoye. A tragic situation happens to Ikemefuna. Life becomes difficult for Okonkwo since then. Will Okonkwo recuperate from his life that has become upside down?
This book is really fascinating! You go through so much emotion. Everyone has a father, a father who strives to maintain his family no matter the cost of his actions. A heart warming and heart pumping novel. I recommend Things Fall Apart to everyone, to fathers to sons. A novel to be remembered.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
No words can describe how amazing this book is! If emotional enough, you will cry for hours after you finish. Things Fall Apart is one of the most amazing tragedies I have ever read (maybe except for King Lear). The book is centered around the peaceful life of Africans, their customs, traditions, everyday lives, and the centerpiece- Okonkwo. Okonkwo is one of the strongest people of the tribe-- brutal, ruthless, and controlling. The purpose of the book is to show how European Imperialism (or even other type of Imperialism) can ruin peaceful people, their families, and even tribes. As with anything that has anything to do with European colonizers, Okonkwo and his family have a tragic end, which you can find out by reading this amazing book.
Despite the fact that the book was published in 1958, the language is really easy to comprehend and the vocabulary is simple to understand. I would recommend Achebe's most famous work to anyone who would like to know more about history, customs, traditions, and etc., which are brilliantly incorporated into the book. I really sympathized with the characters and felt sad after the ending. If you are in high school (9/10/11th grades), I do recommend reading the book, as you will find it really useful on the AP English Literature and Composition test (most of which include prompts on Things Fall Apart). Happy reading!
Reviewed by Henry G., Grade 11
Pacific Park Library
Things Fall Apart Is a book written by Chinua Achebe. The Story follows a man names Okonkwo in Africa before the British took control. It shows African lifestyle in its prime and how it changed over time. Okonkwo is an aspiring leader in the village who tries to do everything for his village, even if it is a wrong action. We follow him as he goes through life to try and make his village a better place.
Things Fall Apart does a great job showing off an African lifestyle before British control. I found it interesting how they lived and all of their customs. If you like historic novels and really want the raw truth on what happened during that period of time. This is the perfect book for you. The major problem with the book is that Okonkwo isn't the greatest guy, which makes it hard for you to try to believe in him. He does some questionable acts to prove his loyalty to his village that most people probably wouldn't do.
Reviewed by CC, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
This story is about a man named Okonkwo and he is respected in his Igbo culture. He is a skilled wrestler and a powerful and wealthy man. his father was a weak man so Okonkwo took it as his duty to become successful. He is asked to watch over a little boy named Ikemefuna as a peace treaty between another tribe and the boy ends up being sacrificed due to the oracles yet the following events result in chaos and Okonkwo loses it all.
This book was interesting as a lot of the vocabulary was related to Igbo culture. I learned a lot about Igbo culture through the readings, however the story was very bland in the terms of it felt slow to its build up. Okonkwo, the main character, grew impatient as the book continued and it felt like it took a while to get the entire story done. However it does seem interesting towards the start so I would partially recommend this book
Reviewed by E.N., Grade 12
Casa Verdugo Library
Post a Comment