Things Fall Apart
What books should everyone read before they die?Add Book
Not Available
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
Literature
James Mustich
Jul 26, 2018
Composed in English and published in 1958, two years before Nigeria declared independence, Things Fall Apart was the first African novel to attain a wide international readership. It is a short, sparely told tale that nevertheless embraces themes of enormous import: fate and will, the determining influences of familial inheritance, the consequences and consolations of custom, the legacy of colonialism. It also illuminates the personal and political crises provoked by the failure of individuals and societies to grow while maintaining their identities in the face of change. And while the novel is steeped in Achebe’s native Igbo culture and alert to the conflicts inherent in the historical moment it depicts, its action seems to unfold on a universal stage; it is as rich in human substance as Greek tragedy, and just as mysteriously powerful in its effect.
0
Add Reply
Pearl McElheran
Oct 30, 2018
beautifully written and an insightful glimpse into village life in Nigeria before it was ruined by imperialism
0
Add Reply
Beth Powers
Nov 28, 2018
Gives great perspective on a different world and time.
0
Add Reply
Elizabeth A Margolis
Dec 3, 2018
Yes
0
Add Reply
Jane Buggle
Dec 4, 2018
Superb allegory
0
Add Reply
Susan Rowley
Dec 25, 2018
It really affected me, and I think I really need to reread it sometime
0
Add Reply
Kendra Bilderback
Jan 7
transforms you to another time and place
0
Add Reply
Lyle Lamb
Feb 5
We all need to learn about and understand different cultures...even if through novels.
0
Add Reply
Tricia Sean Goodman
Feb 19
I read this in my freshman year of college. It shows the impact of colonization of Africa...
0
Add Reply
Ben Shoemaker
Mar 12
Great book!
0
Add Reply
Steve Knier
Mar 26
Always something
0
Add Reply
Brandon Millwood
Mar 26
Fantastic tale. It really made me think about how societies change and how the colonization of Africa changed it so much.
0
Add Reply
RICHARD HANSON
Mar 27
Did not really enjoy the story but the themes involved were very jarring to my Western experience. They pop back into my mind from time to time
0
Add Reply
Kip Voytek
Mar 30
Been meaning to.
0
Add Reply
Benjamin Elliott
Apr 1
This is as good an entrance into African literature as exists.
0
Add Reply
Chris Bonham
Apr 7
Inspiring core reading from a Postcolonial Geography module I took in the final year of my degree.
0
Add Reply
Tina Lau
Apr 17
good book!
0
Add Reply
T. S. Russell
May 30
This is an absolutely haunting book that has stuck with me ever since I read it. I can never hear the phrase "things fall apart" now without experiencing a sinking feeling in my stomach because of the poignant melancholy the book elicited from me. I really felt as if I had been there in Okonkwo's village.
0
Add Reply
Agree (96)
Life's too short (13)
Want to read
Post Comment
"1,000 Books To Read Before You Die" is a registered trademark of Workman Publishing, Inc. Based on the book: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich, Jr. (Workman Publishing Co., Inc.: © 2018)