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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
It took me awhile to become interested in this book. While I was interested in the historical details and the setting, I had no sympathy for the main character. The book's summary talks about Okonkwo's fall from grace, the clash of cultures, and the arrival of missionaries. All of that didn't happen until the second half of the novel and was wrapped up very quickly.
Achebe presents a fascinating look at everyday life in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the characters just didn't resonate with me. Still a worthwhile read.
Achebe presents a fascinating look at everyday life in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the characters just didn't resonate with me. Still a worthwhile read.
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, War
I re-read this book in preparing to teach it for my New Millennium Studies class this semester and enjoyed it still. I’m most interested here, however, to talk about the role of the title in shaping the book. Unlike many books I read, whose titles are more prosaic in describing the shape and action of the work (such as the other book I just finished, Endurance), Things Fall Apart creates a distinct environment for the novel. It’s a sense of dread and foreboding that might not exist were the book titled The Life of Okwonko or something similar.
I think this title stuff will be one way into the book for my class discussion. I’ve talked with my students of the new millennium about the value of titles in shaping the viewer/reader’s understanding of the work. In particular, when a student creates a piece of art with a more obscure pedigree, I push her/him to use a title that will help the viewer to leap the gap between the aesthetic experience of the project and the often complex set of associations and ideas the student is trying to convey. It’s Barthes’ lesson on photo captions — also taught by the associated press during Hurricane Katrina.
The book’s also really powerful for its mixed message about its protagonist. I dislike Okwonko quite a bit. He beats his wives and children and fears the world because he’s so afraid of failing. But at the same time, as the Europeans showed up and began running their kangaroo courts for a people they were suddenly governing, I would certainly have enjoyed a little vicarious thrill at violence against that unjust colonization–nevermind that my people directly benefitted from that colonization and the gathered wealth of that period still powers our cars and buys our lattes.
I think this title stuff will be one way into the book for my class discussion. I’ve talked with my students of the new millennium about the value of titles in shaping the viewer/reader’s understanding of the work. In particular, when a student creates a piece of art with a more obscure pedigree, I push her/him to use a title that will help the viewer to leap the gap between the aesthetic experience of the project and the often complex set of associations and ideas the student is trying to convey. It’s Barthes’ lesson on photo captions — also taught by the associated press during Hurricane Katrina.
The book’s also really powerful for its mixed message about its protagonist. I dislike Okwonko quite a bit. He beats his wives and children and fears the world because he’s so afraid of failing. But at the same time, as the Europeans showed up and began running their kangaroo courts for a people they were suddenly governing, I would certainly have enjoyed a little vicarious thrill at violence against that unjust colonization–nevermind that my people directly benefitted from that colonization and the gathered wealth of that period still powers our cars and buys our lattes.
I just finished reading this book for a class, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even without studying the historical context and meaning of the book, I would have really enjoyed it. It's a quick and easy read but still manages to bring up important questions for the reader.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oj va det gjorde mycket med de sista sidorna. Kände verkligen att det satte hela boken i kontakt och fick mig att förstå vad konsekvenserna faktiskt BLEV. Innan dess tyckte jag den var bra men kanske lite långdragen. Är väldigt pepp på den nu. Tror till och med det kan få bli en tenta om den. Kanske läser om den i så fall men vi får väl se helt enkelt.