Things Fall Apart tells two overlapping, intertwining stories, both of which center around Okonkwo, a “strong man” of an Ibo village in Nigeria. The first of these stories traces Okonkwo's fall from grace with the tribal world in which he lives, and in its classical purity of line and economical beauty it provides us with a powerful fable about the immemorial conflict between the individual and society. The second story, which is as modern as the first is ancient, and which elevates the book to a tragic plane, concerns the clash of cultures and the destruction of Okonkwo's world through the arrival of aggressive, proselytizing European missionaries. These twin dramas are perfectly harmonized, and they are modulated by an awareness capable of encompassing at once the life of nature, human history, and the mysterious compulsions of the soul.
Things Fall Apart is the most illuminating and permanent monument we have to the modern African experience as seen from within
Rating: 3 Stars
I had been wanting to read this book for quite awhile. A professor had suggested it, saying it was a great piece of African Literature. It took awhile, but I finally managed to pick it up. I really went into this book not knowing what to expect. The setting and writing style were so different than what I'm used to. Overall, it was a difficult and often confusing read.
The main character in this story is named Okonkwo, one of the hot shot ex wrestlers from the village. He prides himself on being a strong self made man. Through his beliefs and values we are able to be introduced to those of the village. This man is is filled with pride and full of expectations for his young sons.
To back track a bit, there are some things to be aware of in this novel. There is no sugar coating the customs of the village. They have multiple wives, who they beat. Women are expected to serve and not speak. They believe in many gods and perform blood sacrifices to them, both human and animal. It is a completely different world from the one we live in.
The pacing of this novel was slow. It was hard for me to get into it, and keep reading. There were so many disgusting depictions of women in this society that I almost stopped reading it multiple times. It was especially difficult to accept the way women were so casually beat.
The story itself depicts both Okonkwo's fall from grace and the arrival of missionaries in the village. It becomes, in three end, a story of how old ways can change. As things get worse and worse for Okonkwo, I actually began to feel sorry for him and the village.
It was interesting to see how even though I hated the customs of this village, I still hated to watch them being torn away. The author certainly proves a point in his depiction of this cultures fall.
In the end I decided to gives this book 3 out of 5 stars. It was very slow, difficult to follow, and even more difficult to enjoy. Still, I recommend this book to any open minded souls. I think it is an important book, and I'm glad I read it.
