Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe
Jacqueline Novogratz
The first book I read by an African author. Achebe is unflinching in his portrayal of the challenges of change, the relationships of colonialism, and power/powerlessness. - Jacqueline Novogratz
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker shared this book on Instagram.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
[The author's] classic. - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Barack Obama
Barack Obama's favorite books of 2018 list.
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4
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Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart

Chinua Achebe
By
Chinua Achebe
3.7
20368
ratings on Goodreads

In the lush landscapes of Nigeria, Chinua Achebe unfolds the tragic tale of Okonkwo, a warrior of the Igbo people, whose life spirals into despair as he grapples with the shifting sands of his society and the encroaching influence of European colonialism. "Things Fall Apart" is a poignant exploration of the struggle between tradition and change, a narrative that delves deep into the heart of a community on the brink of transformation. Through the life of Okonkwo, a man driven by the fear of weakness and failure, Achebe weaves a story of profound emotional depth, illustrating the complexities of identity, culture, and the inevitable clash of civilizations. With a masterful economy of language and a subtle touch of irony, Achebe crafts a world that is at once uniquely African and universally human. The novel stands as a testament to the resilience of the spirit in the face of the relentless tides of history, painting a vivid portrait of a society contending with the forces of change. "Things Fall Apart" is not just the story of Okonkwo's fall from grace but a reflection on the nature of fate and the inexorable evolution of society. Achebe's masterpiece remains an enduring classic, a beacon of insight into the human condition and the intricate tapestries of cultural legacy.

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Released
1958
1 Jan
Length
215
Pages

4

recommendations

recommendation

[The author's] classic. - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Sarah Jessica Parker shared this book on Instagram.
The first book I read by an African author. Achebe is unflinching in his portrayal of the challenges of change, the relationships of colonialism, and power/powerlessness. - Jacqueline Novogratz
Barack Obama's favorite books of 2018 list.
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, Things Fall Apart

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