“Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”
Okonkwo commands respect from his community, his three wives, and his children through both hard work and intimidation. He rises to prominence despite and perhaps due to his father’s laziness in community and family matters. He stands firm to his culture and traditions. So he is outraged when some of his people start converting to Christianity. A power struggle ensues and ‘things fall apart.’
I’m intrigued by Achebe’s history and background. I’d like to read the sequel to this book, No Longer at Ease, at some point.
1959, 209 pp
Rating: 4/5
I read his whole African Trilogy just a few weeks ago. They’re all very good. The reviews are on my blog, if you’re curious.
Have a good weekend!
Lezlie
Thanks, Lezlie, I’ll be sure to check them out!!
I loved this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
Great review Michelle! This one is on my TBR, so I’ll get to it one of these days.
I didn’t even know there was a sequel! I read Things Fall Apart in high school; now I’m going to go look for the others.
Your review sounds much more appealing than the reviews I have read so far. I’m adding the title to The List. Thanks.
I’ve never even heard of this one; thanks for brining it to my attention.
I’ve never read this book, but I’m in love with “The Second Coming,” by WB Yeats which inspired the title (and more, I’m sure) of this book.
Not long ago, I read Achebe’s “Arrow of God,” because that was the book I found, instead of “Things Fall Apart.” It had the same basic theme–the power struggle between the African culture and the British Empire and Christianity.
I read “Things Fall Apart” in college, and I liked it so much, I named my car Achebe.
Hi–saw a link to this from the ARC. This doesn’t feel like a review to me, especially of such a complex book, but only a synopsis.
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