Friday, June 8, 2007

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

A Review

Title: Things Fall Apart
Author: Chinua Achebe
Edition: Penguin Read RED



Things Fall Apart is a beautifully told tale.

The story, set in Africa, is about strong-willed Ibo warrior Okonkwo. The simple but powerful narrative easily sucks the reader into Okonkwo's world. We follow him through the motions of his daily life, his interaction with his clan members, his dealings with his family. We soak up the traditions of his people. We immerse ourselves in the culture and beliefs of his people. It is an interesting read, an insight into the life of others so different yet so same from us.

Then it gets more interesting. White people start coming into the life of Okonkwo and his people. White people start disrupting the life of Okonkwo and his clan. We read his anger and feel with him. We read his rage and feel with him. We see his… ah. Go read the book yourself.

I highly recommend this book. Read it for
1) its beautiful story.
2) its beautiful story-telling.
3) that extra window of awareness it will open in you.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

lol, I have read it more than 10 times. I read it when I was in form 4/form 5 when I took English Literature. A nice read.

sharkgila said...

This book is a required reading for some. And shy to say I've never heard of it before picking this book up from Big Bookshop's crazy warehouse sale.

I picked it up to complete my Penguin Read Red collection. What a pleasant surprise!

Ted Mahsun said...

Sounds interesting! As long as there are no coke bottle chases half-way across the continent, I think I'll like it very much.

And speaking of African lit, That Half of a Yellow Sun sounds mighty interesting too!

sharkgila said...

Teddy: yes it's good, one I'll definitely recommend you to read. I'll look out for The Half of a Yellow Sun, thanks!


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