Things fall apart
“I fear for young people because you do not know how strong the bond of kinship. You do not know what it is to speak with one voice”
There are so many superlatives to describe this book. Although I write up book reviews, I don’t know the generic terms other than Classic!
This was one of the first mass published books about Africa that was written by an African. My only regret is that I got to it so late.
Okonkwo, the book’s main character is a strong, masculine village elder. I enjoyed understanding Okonkwo’s psyche while reading. When this book was written, mental health wasn’t talked about as openly as it is now, however Achebe manages brings this issue to the forefront.
Okonkwo has deep rooted, unanswered feelings about his father, and his children. Yet he rarely communicates what’s on his mind with anyone.
The story describes the story of colonialism from the Africans point of view. We learn about what it is to live in a tribe who have their own customs and traditions set before them from ancestors, and how the impact of the colonists had on their tribe.
The English came to Africa offering Christianity, government and most importantly schools. Some locals started to attend the schools whilst learning this new religion.
We now know that this was Britain’s master plan. #KillThemWithKindness Offer them security, knowledge and structure.
The English thought the Africans to be uncivilised by looking at the Africans from the eyes of the western world. Not understanding that we all are unique and should be allowed to be different and develop at our own rate.
Have you read this book, if so what did you think of it? Hit me up in the comments.
#Adeptales #ChinuaAchebe #BlackAuthor #Africa #Nigeria #BritishEmpire #Christianity #Okonkwo #KolaNut #Igbo
