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btmaddix's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
styxis's review against another edition
3.0
The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.
I only read Things Fall Apart for a seminar and wouldn't have chosen it based on my personal interests, as this is not a book I would typically read.
I am not a fan of Achebe's writing style and there was sadly no clear plot going on that managed to keep me interested. The last few pages were very powerful, but otherwise it was just an average book with an average story. What I did like though, is that it introduced me to the Igbo culture with its customs and traditions, which succeeded in piquing my interest for a bit.
I completely understand why this is regarded as a classic and why it is such an important part of postcolonial literature, but it sadly didn't do much for me in terms of enjoyment.
I only read Things Fall Apart for a seminar and wouldn't have chosen it based on my personal interests, as this is not a book I would typically read.
I am not a fan of Achebe's writing style and there was sadly no clear plot going on that managed to keep me interested. The last few pages were very powerful, but otherwise it was just an average book with an average story. What I did like though, is that it introduced me to the Igbo culture with its customs and traditions, which succeeded in piquing my interest for a bit.
I completely understand why this is regarded as a classic and why it is such an important part of postcolonial literature, but it sadly didn't do much for me in terms of enjoyment.
doiread's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Colonisation
Moderate: Suicide, Murder, and Xenophobia
mmirjamm's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
clypor's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
moralesm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
4.75
jennajean's review against another edition
3.0
I've been meaning to read this for years and finally did when I learned that its famous author passed away. A subtle and important read.
odin45mp's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sad and beautiful story of a proud man in a small Nigerian village. The prose is lyrical and poetic. This was worth my time to read. Not sure if I'll continue the trilogy because this felt like a complete story, but I am glad that I read it.
oofym's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I'd like to rank this book higher as the themes and premise are definitely my cup of tea, but unfortunately I really disliked the writing style and how simply things are portrayed/written. The first half of this book is a slog imo, and the last 100 pages are definitely an improvement but overall anytime something remotely interesting happens, it's written like it's a children book. Perhaps that's the point, to lay things out as blandly as possible, but it doesn't make for an interesting reading experience . The themes of masculinity and culture/rituals were also very one note and didn't say anything interesting. The colonialism/religion aspect was definitely the most interesting segment but it only takes up about 30 or so pages of a 200 page book. Wish this was better, really wanted to enjoy it.
eilisrowan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0