‘Things fall apart’ by Chinua Achebe (1958) – a masterpiece of African literature that I have only recently discovered

This is the first novel set in Africa that I have read – knowing very little about local customs beforehand. It depicts the traditional lifestyle of Igbo people – one of the tribes of Southern Nigeria – and the ultimate conflict with European missionaries and administrators that is unfold in the last chapter.

Keeping a concise style, the author managed to describe the rural life of Igbo preople in all its aspects, from agriculture to social hierarchy, from ancient customs and regulations to local folklore. It is worth noticing that the novel does not tempt to idealize the things – for example, the author frequently addresses the problem of domestic violence (characteristic to tribal society), and describes some practices that might seem off-puting. Thus, *’Things fall apart’* produces an objective and multi-faceted picture of Igbo people. But, despite all this, I have formed a certain attachment to the world unfolded by Chinua Achebe. It is vivid and truly mesmerizing.

The main character, Okonkwo, has everything one can wish – fame, strength, hard-working character, a family. Yet he is rough and has a fear of showing his weakness, which often causes him to resort to violence and does not allow him to build a healthy relationship with his family. Although he (in my opinion) is not a positive character, the reader is nevertheless attached to him, and Okonkwo’s life circumstances that formed his imperfect character are thoroughly depicted. Besides Okonkwo, the novel presents other memorable characters – his friend Obierika, his wife Ekwefi, etc. All these make an interesting and captivating plot.

At some point the European missionaries and their henchmen arrive, and then *things started to fall apart* – the traditional lifestyle was disrupted by new religion, while the colonial administrators behaved brutely and unjustly, with visibly despise to the Igbo people – and thus, though very briefly, Chinua Achebe addresses the topic of colonialism and its effect.

The novel is mostly praised as a great portrayal of civilization clash, but for me its greater feature is the way in which it easily conveyed the rich and vivid aspects of Igbo life and culture to me – a person raised in ex-USSR, in a totally different time and environment. I have read it in Russian, but I think the translator did a great job, though. Btw, I didn’t mention that Chinua Achebe used a dozen of Igbo proverbs in his novel – and those are truly amazing!

I don’t know whether this book is part of official curriculum in English speaking world, but I think it would produce a great impression on everyone, since it is accessible, short (+- 200 pages), and posseses all the qualities that make a good, compelling novel. Chinua Achebe succeeded in placing his native Igbo people on the world’s map.

by ArthRol