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A review by sydsnot71
Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
4.0
'Arrow of God' is the third Chinua Achebe novel I've read and once more it is fine writing.
It's similar in theme to 'Things Fall Apart' : a head-strong traditionalist meets a changing world. Once more the impact of colonial power on Nigeria is told through the story of an individual. In this case Ezeulu, the Chief Priest of Ulu.
The role both of British power and Christianity in undermining traditional ways, ending up in their destruction is more direct here. Ezeulu's beliefs are so firm that it eventually leads to the destruction of his own way of life and his community's.
It's a fine book but I still feel that 'Anthills of the Savannah' was the Achebe book I admired and enjoyed the most. Apparently this is the second book, after 'Things Fall Apart', in the African trilogy, of which 'No Longer at Ease' is the third book. I'll read that at some point as it will be good to read.
There is, as an Englishman, a certain shame in reading this book. I think we like to pretend our Empire was a force only for good whilst ignoring the wreckage we left behind.
It's similar in theme to 'Things Fall Apart' : a head-strong traditionalist meets a changing world. Once more the impact of colonial power on Nigeria is told through the story of an individual. In this case Ezeulu, the Chief Priest of Ulu.
The role both of British power and Christianity in undermining traditional ways, ending up in their destruction is more direct here. Ezeulu's beliefs are so firm that it eventually leads to the destruction of his own way of life and his community's.
It's a fine book but I still feel that 'Anthills of the Savannah' was the Achebe book I admired and enjoyed the most. Apparently this is the second book, after 'Things Fall Apart', in the African trilogy, of which 'No Longer at Ease' is the third book. I'll read that at some point as it will be good to read.
There is, as an Englishman, a certain shame in reading this book. I think we like to pretend our Empire was a force only for good whilst ignoring the wreckage we left behind.