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A review by _askthebookbug
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
5.0
Things fall apart - { Book Recommendation }
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I have always truly admired African literature and lately I've been treating myself to such intense reads that often leaves me emotionally drained. I decided to read this book after @barackobama mentioned it in the list of best books of 2018. Things fall apart was Chinua Achebe's first novel and he has done a brilliant job in reaching out to the readers on an emotional level.
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The protagonist of this book is Okonkwo, an arrogant, rude, male chauvinist and extremely sexist who is considered as an important clan member. Growing up under the shadow of a failed father, Okonkwo takes up responsibility of handling the house from a very young age. He has three wives and many children like the fellow community members. To be honest, I detested Okonkwo's character for the fact that he was ignorant and considered himself superior than anyone else. All that changes with colonisation.
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The African culture is so richly highlighted in this book starting from the minute details like the weather, the clothes that they wear, the food that they eat and also various rituals and beliefs that they uphold. This is probably one of the significant reason that I enjoy African literature. Okonkwo's character is strong but not strong enough to face colonisation when British build churches and slowly capture their lands. When Okonkwo witnesses humiliation and sees his culture being uprooted, he loses his mind. This book is a classic narration of how it all started.
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'The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart' - Chinua Achebe.
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I can't ever get enough of such intense books. This book falls under my 'Favourite African Literature' list. A solid five star rating :)
~
I have always truly admired African literature and lately I've been treating myself to such intense reads that often leaves me emotionally drained. I decided to read this book after @barackobama mentioned it in the list of best books of 2018. Things fall apart was Chinua Achebe's first novel and he has done a brilliant job in reaching out to the readers on an emotional level.
~
The protagonist of this book is Okonkwo, an arrogant, rude, male chauvinist and extremely sexist who is considered as an important clan member. Growing up under the shadow of a failed father, Okonkwo takes up responsibility of handling the house from a very young age. He has three wives and many children like the fellow community members. To be honest, I detested Okonkwo's character for the fact that he was ignorant and considered himself superior than anyone else. All that changes with colonisation.
~
The African culture is so richly highlighted in this book starting from the minute details like the weather, the clothes that they wear, the food that they eat and also various rituals and beliefs that they uphold. This is probably one of the significant reason that I enjoy African literature. Okonkwo's character is strong but not strong enough to face colonisation when British build churches and slowly capture their lands. When Okonkwo witnesses humiliation and sees his culture being uprooted, he loses his mind. This book is a classic narration of how it all started.
~
'The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart' - Chinua Achebe.
~
I can't ever get enough of such intense books. This book falls under my 'Favourite African Literature' list. A solid five star rating :)