Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe

Summary Scores:

Enjoyable to Read: A

Impact on the World: D

Increased My Understanding of the World/People: A

Made Me Think: A

Things Fall Apart is one of the best novels I've ever read. I should leave it at that, but I can't help myself. I often read while I'm on the bus from the train station to my office, but on the occasional day when I have to stand because the bus is crowded, I almost never try to read standing in the aisle. Things Fall Apart was the exception to that general rule. I want to be careful not to ruin the experience for you, so I'll purposefully keep this review high level.

I don't remember a year ever being mentioned, but the story takes place in an African village during the time when the British were first moving into the area. The central character is Okonkwo, who is a prominent man in both his own village and the surrounding villages. In his youth he had beaten the long-standing wrestling champion at the tournament and his bravery and toughness were unquestioned. Okonkwo has to confront the British on many levels and the world is changing all around him. As the title suggests, this book is about Okonkwo as things fall apart.

I really don't want to delve into the story line much more, just because I really hope you read it for yourself. But I will say that this novel really shines on two fronts; Okonkwo's character and the glimpses into tribal Africa.

Regarding Okonkwo, I found myself admiring his strength and despising his weakness. I hoped for him and was repulsed by him. Even now as I write this, I struggle to pin him down, but rather than assuming that it is because he is a poorly crafted character, I assume it is because he is a real and complex person. After reading some novels, it is the intriguing premise, places or plot twists that run through your mind. After reading Things Fall Apart, it was Okonkwo himself that lingers. Was I misunderstanding him? What was really driving him? Was he flawed or principled? How would I handle things falling apart?

The second part of the story that I loved was the glimpse into their life, just because it is so different than my own experience. The social structure, the routines of the seasons, the dynamics between men and women, and maybe most interesting, the myths and stories that they told each other. It is hard to imagine a way of life and thought more different that my own and I enjoyed getting this glimpse.

This is an incredibly well written novel and it definitely belongs on my Cultured 100 List.