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steveurick's review against another edition
4.0
This was apparently published second (after Things Fall Apart and before Arrow of God), but it it the third book chronologically Chinua Achebe's trilogy. Colonialism is a theme in all three books, but I enjoyed learning about the culture of Nigeria also. We do not get enough information through dialog or narration to really get to know the characters well. Nevertheless, the story is paced well and it is easy to read.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
3.0
No Longer At Ease is the second book in The African Trilogy, with Things Fall Apart being the first. I ended up not reading the books in order but I don't reading in order is necessary. I do think Things Fall Apart is the strongest book in the collection with No Longer At Ease being the runner up.
In No Longer At Ease we meet Obi Okonkwo, he recently returned from studying in the UK. He was one of the few persons offered a scholarship to go abroad to study. As part of his scholarship he must return to Nigeria to work as a civil servant to repay his part of his scholarship. Achebe covers a lot in his novel, more specifically how Obi saddles his new position as a civil servant while trying to provide for his family who are still in the village.
An insightful read.
In No Longer At Ease we meet Obi Okonkwo, he recently returned from studying in the UK. He was one of the few persons offered a scholarship to go abroad to study. As part of his scholarship he must return to Nigeria to work as a civil servant to repay his part of his scholarship. Achebe covers a lot in his novel, more specifically how Obi saddles his new position as a civil servant while trying to provide for his family who are still in the village.
An insightful read.
em1246's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thought this was better than the first. Really enjoyed Obi’s story but felt sad at the ending.
jess_789's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ungildedlily's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
steelcitygator's review against another edition
3.0
The follow on to the first of his African Trilogy loses some of the mysticism and flow of the first work but retains an easy and engaging read that feels differently authentic to the changing time period and the changes in society of Nigeria over the two generations after the original work is set. It, for sure in my opinion, is a slightly less interesting work than the first but again provides a valuable look at the lasting impacts of colonial rule after the most violent parts.
Many of my comments from the original could be restated here in terms of writing style, flow, vision, etc. But despite that, the difference between fledgling tradition and independence in the face of cultural conquest to that conquest partially done and everything in flux is an important distinction and makes the work feel both familiar and unique in a way that feels highly intentional.
The whole trilogy being shorter than some books I will read this year means I still highly recommend working through them all. Book two, while a step back, remains asking important questions and doing important reflection not only for Nigeria and Africa or post-Colonial societies but for everyone wrestling with the human cultural condition.
Many of my comments from the original could be restated here in terms of writing style, flow, vision, etc. But despite that, the difference between fledgling tradition and independence in the face of cultural conquest to that conquest partially done and everything in flux is an important distinction and makes the work feel both familiar and unique in a way that feels highly intentional.
The whole trilogy being shorter than some books I will read this year means I still highly recommend working through them all. Book two, while a step back, remains asking important questions and doing important reflection not only for Nigeria and Africa or post-Colonial societies but for everyone wrestling with the human cultural condition.
pereira's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
ekua33's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
emilyeslomski's review against another edition
5.0
This novel spoke to me on so many levels. There is, of course, the obvious message about colonialism, racism, and corruption in Nigeria (and the world). There is also a message for anyone coming into the realities of "adult" life. Please read! This novel is going on my shelf right next to "Cry, the Beloved Country" - which you should also read if you have not!