Things Fall Apart (Macmillan Reader) by Chinua Achebe, John Davey Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Things Fall Apart (Macmillan Reader)
Book Review: A magical book
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was recommended to me more than once and I've wanted to read it for a long time. I also wanted to look at something with culture and politics at the centre of the story, even if the latter is structured in a way that might seem unfamiliar to readers in the modern day Western world. Although it's a book about a community, it is really the story of one man. The equilibrium of his world is upset by two factors - his own actions and the things going on around him that he has no control over. Okonkwo is a proud, brave warrior struggling to step out of the shadow cast by his under-achieving father. He runs a tight ship - with several wives and children - and all seems well until he gets involved in the ritual killing of his foster son and the accidental murder of clan member. Okonkwo is exiled at the peak of his power within the tribe and through the passage of time, things fall apart and will never be the same again. His position has changed, customs are dying out and the white man stalks his beloved land.
This is a magical book, riddled with customs inherent in many old cultures - story-telling, communal living, superstition and the occult are a way of life. Yes it's savage and brutal, but the violence is born of an era and even reminds us that the genocides of Rwanda are not that far in the past. The narrative moves around in eddies, like the circles of the tribal dances in the story. It's full of colour and passion and Achebe's reportage is never biased - he merely tells it like it is. There are wonderful sayings and proverbs aplenty that will stay with you but it is the story of Okonkwo that impacted on me the most.
This is the black man's rebuttal of Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and it's a far superior book. I loved it and plan to read more of Achebe's work.
Book Review: I challenge anyone not to love this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Most professional book reviewers write pretentious, self-serving drivel about the books they review. I am so glad I never saw a paper review. It would have put me off. No review could do Achabe's book justice. It forces you to devour the pages. Its simplicity is its beauty. Reviewers use the word "elegaic" as wedding guests throw confetti. For the first time in over forty years reading, I know what an elegy means in a non-poetic context. My sister LENT me this little masterpiece. I have ordered six copies to give as Xmas presents. A genuine five star book. If only it were out on tape! Why would anyone even consider a need for notes beats me.Book Review: A great story
Summary: 5 Stars
This was one of the first books in African literature that I read and I was not disappointed. It is amazing. The larger than life character of Okonkwo is reduced to disillusioned man because he could not adapt to the changing times. The big lesson is that we should never attempt to have control of everything beyond ourselves.Also liked Disciples of Fortune and Dew Breaker.Book Review: A great story
Summary: 5 Stars
This was one of the first books in African literature that I read and I was not disappointed. It is amazing. The larger than life character of Okonkwo is reduced to a disillusioned man because he could not adapt to the changing times. The big lesson is that we should never attempt to have control of everything beyond ourselves. Also recommended: DISCIPLES OF FORTUNE
Book Review: Achebe-Dog
Summary: 5 Stars
Achebe-Dog. Yo superlative man, trench my degree. I gonna rewind and dream boat boy! Buster, it gets tricksy, but that's tha way I like my literature.