Achebe's first novel is the not-so-simple story of Okonkwo and his Ibo village in Nigeria, just before and after British colonization. A powerful, but cruel man, Okonkwo is tormented by fear. He fears failure, weakness, the forest, the capricious gods, but most of all he fears himself. Okonkwo is ultimately undone by his fears, just as his world is undone by the Christian missionaries and colonial government that descend on Nigeria near the end of this deceptively simple yet brilliant novel. Achebe gave the world a glimpse into tribal culture that is neither romantic nor patronizing, it is simply honest.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

See more titles featured in World Authors

Add your comments about this book