A review by readingnomad
The Education of a British-Protected Child: Essays by Chinua Achebe
5.0
Chinua Achebe had the ability to discuss complex subjects with so much clarity. This was displayed in his essay collection, The Education of a British-Protected Child.
I have deep appreciation for this collection because he spoke truth to power addressing political issues - amongst other subjects - despite living in an time when freedom of speech was a myth. In 17 personal essays, he passionately takes us through his thoughts and experiences around racism, identity, the legacy of colonisation and imperialism. His deep understanding of his Igbo heritage is on full display through his use of traditional philosophies like Mbari.
A dominant subject in this collection and one he never shied away from is colonisation. He discusses critically how the “project” contributed to the deliberately skewed image of Africa. The central drive to ridicule the claim that Africa was this far off uncharted territory with no history was glaring in his easy “Africa’s Tarnished Name”.
I see much of Achebe’s thoughts on today’s mainstream topics; the legacy of colonisation, Africans controlling their narrative, diaspora relations with Africa, identity and language politics. Overall, this is a brilliant thought provoking collection filled with gems, intellectual drag (Joseph Conrad was dragged for filth) sprinkled with humour. Definitely worth your time!
I have deep appreciation for this collection because he spoke truth to power addressing political issues - amongst other subjects - despite living in an time when freedom of speech was a myth. In 17 personal essays, he passionately takes us through his thoughts and experiences around racism, identity, the legacy of colonisation and imperialism. His deep understanding of his Igbo heritage is on full display through his use of traditional philosophies like Mbari.
A dominant subject in this collection and one he never shied away from is colonisation. He discusses critically how the “project” contributed to the deliberately skewed image of Africa. The central drive to ridicule the claim that Africa was this far off uncharted territory with no history was glaring in his easy “Africa’s Tarnished Name”.
I see much of Achebe’s thoughts on today’s mainstream topics; the legacy of colonisation, Africans controlling their narrative, diaspora relations with Africa, identity and language politics. Overall, this is a brilliant thought provoking collection filled with gems, intellectual drag (Joseph Conrad was dragged for filth) sprinkled with humour. Definitely worth your time!