Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe (4.5 of 5 Egwugwus)

Things Fall Apart was an assigned reading for my World History class at the University of Utah. The assignment for the book was writing a three-paged analysis of the religious system of the Umuofia and the rise and fall of the protagonist Okonkwo, but don't worry...I'll spare you the literary frills.

I admit that I tend to enjoy assigned books less than those I discover on my own. This was an exception. I am not surprised that this novel by the Nigerian author Achebe has been republished and reprinted across the globe several times since 1959. It depicts the beginning of European colonization in the African tribal community of Umuofia by missionaries. Like Broken Spears it provides an intriguing native perspective of European colonization.

The book begins by establishing a picture of normal tribal life. Okonkwo is a driven man who desires economic, religious, and political power. You see his interaction with his own family and the tribe. His own drive eventually causes his own downfall. While he is exiled from the community, European missionaries establish themselves in Umuofia. When he comes back he stages an ineffective rebellion.

The fresh African voice of the author was that which enjoyed most about the book. I can't exactly pin down the differences, but the voice seemed more direct, and simple in its description of the unfolding events. I was also very impressed by Achebe's ability to expertly describe the culture of native Africa. I would highly recommend this book to those interested in African history or European colonization.