thetattybookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
“A masterpiece that has inspired generations of writers in Nigeria, across Africa, and around the world." - Barack Obama
This book takes you into the Igbo culture and depicts the struggle between traditional culture and colonialism from the side of the colonized. I especially appreciated the African proverbs and folktales.
Okonkwo, our protagonist, is a dynamic character. He represents everything I dislike in a patriarchal society, yet you can’t help but feel bad for him as he struggles with watching everything he knows about life being destroyed by British settlers.
I think stories from the view of the colonized are underrepresented and when they are told, they’re told with the feelings of colonizers in mind. This is not that kind of story. Achebe does a wonderful job of telling an honest and compelling story.
This book takes you into the Igbo culture and depicts the struggle between traditional culture and colonialism from the side of the colonized. I especially appreciated the African proverbs and folktales.
Okonkwo, our protagonist, is a dynamic character. He represents everything I dislike in a patriarchal society, yet you can’t help but feel bad for him as he struggles with watching everything he knows about life being destroyed by British settlers.
I think stories from the view of the colonized are underrepresented and when they are told, they’re told with the feelings of colonizers in mind. This is not that kind of story. Achebe does a wonderful job of telling an honest and compelling story.
ninjakiwi12's review against another edition
4.0
Fun(ny) fact(s): Summer reading challenge Bingo with the Dayspring youth #8: book written by someone under 30! This is Achebe's (b. 1930) debut novel, first published in 1958.
Favorite quote/image: "It was not the mad logic of the Trinity that captivated him. He did not understand it. It was the poetry of the new religion, something felt in the marrow. The hymn about brothers who sat in darkness and in fear seemed to answer a vague and persistent question that haunted his young soul – the question of the twins crying in the bush and the question of Ikemefuna who was killed. He felt a relief within as the hymn poured into his parched soul. The words of the hymn were like the drops of frozen rain melting on the dry plate of the panting earth." (pg. 108)
Honorable mention: "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness, he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is buried there. And that is why we say that mother is supreme." (pg. 98-99)
Why: Often heralded as THE classic contemporary African novel in English, this book has been on my list of 20th century fiction to read, and it did not disappoint. Tackling themes of masculinity/femininity, family, religion, and colonialism, Achebe poignantly paints the picture of a man trapped by his own values and worldview as his entire world changes.
Favorite quote/image: "It was not the mad logic of the Trinity that captivated him. He did not understand it. It was the poetry of the new religion, something felt in the marrow. The hymn about brothers who sat in darkness and in fear seemed to answer a vague and persistent question that haunted his young soul – the question of the twins crying in the bush and the question of Ikemefuna who was killed. He felt a relief within as the hymn poured into his parched soul. The words of the hymn were like the drops of frozen rain melting on the dry plate of the panting earth." (pg. 108)
Honorable mention: "A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness, he finds refuge in his motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is buried there. And that is why we say that mother is supreme." (pg. 98-99)
Why: Often heralded as THE classic contemporary African novel in English, this book has been on my list of 20th century fiction to read, and it did not disappoint. Tackling themes of masculinity/femininity, family, religion, and colonialism, Achebe poignantly paints the picture of a man trapped by his own values and worldview as his entire world changes.
catninapark's review
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
scostanzo42's review against another edition
4.0
My seniors were talking to me about this book, so I figured I would check it out. Well written and very interesting.
megmurch's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
chloekorn's review
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
sophixa22's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
trangun's review against another edition
5.0
I have a soft spot for books that are unsentimental, devoid of nonsense, and even so exudes care and compassion for their characters