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Things Fall Apart Book Review

            Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart published in 1958 tells a compelling story about the life of Okonkwo an Ibo warrior and his struggle with change at the turn of the 19th century. Achebe gives the reader a look into the lives of the Ibo people and their culture prior to the arrival of the Europeans in Nigeria as well as the struggle that occurs between the African tribes to protect their customs and traditions when faced with Christianity and the white colonial government. He gives an accurate portrayal of the intricate African culture by explaining the customs and rituals of this Ibo tribe. Achebe's novel dispels stereotypical views of the African culture by beautifully interweaving the Ibo customs and traditions into the story about Okonkwo the warrior and his struggle to accept his past and the changes of the future. .
             The plot in Things Fall Apart follows a typical plot line. The climax occurs when Okonkwo kills the messenger followed by a quick resolution. Even in the end, Achebe continues to address Ibo tradition by explaining the belief that a person who commits suicide is evil and cannot be buried by his clan. The resolution also gives a clear contrast in differences of view point between the European settlers and the African clansmen. Obierika a close friend of Okonkwo screams angrily at the European District Commissioner accusing him of his friend's death saying, "You drove him to kill himself; and now he will be buried like a dog" (208). In comparison, the District Commissioner views the situation as a good story to put in his book about bringing civilization to Africa which he has titled, The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger" (208). .
             The language of the book is simple and easy to read. Achebe integrates some of the Ibo vocabulary into the narrative and gives a dignified portrayal of the African language. When reading the novel, the Ibo communication style has an authentic tone, and the African people are portrayed in an intelligent manner.


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