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gooberjk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
5678901234's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
robynriddle15's review against another edition
4.0
Things Fall Apart was a very interesting story about religion in Africa. Although this is not the style of story telling that I'm used to I still would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in African culture during the colonial period.
lairybob's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
angelsrgorgeous's review against another edition
3.0
Simple and honest.
I always find it so funny that westerners truly feel that we are accepting and open to other cultures, but simultaneously are so assured that we occupy the world's "top slot" in terms of our culture's value. No culture's motto is "YEAH - we're number TWO!" If we're truly open to other cultures, why don't we seriously study any history other than European in our our schools? Generally, the only way we touch on other cultures in our schools is under the shadow of colonialism, as is well illustrated by this widely read book.
Why don't we learn about the incredible achievements and discoveries made in Asia, the Middle East, etc, during the centuries of Europe's dark ages? Why do we feel we have learned "enough" about other cultures after having only glanced over them from the perspective of why they fell to the Europeans, having not appreciated or studied them for their own merits?
While this was a wonderful book, I feel it could be understood to further feed this ethnocentrism. In truly considering whether this book would ever be read in schools of the Western world if it hadn't bowed to colonialism in the second half, I feel the answer is obviously no, and I find that a bit sad. At least Achebe's approach (I find his appeal to "White Guilt" very intelligent), ensured that readers get a watered down version of appreciation for these small tribes and their way of life.
A beautiful and simply written account that is definitely worth reading - I just felt the need to comment on how it raised this larger issue.
I always find it so funny that westerners truly feel that we are accepting and open to other cultures, but simultaneously are so assured that we occupy the world's "top slot" in terms of our culture's value. No culture's motto is "YEAH - we're number TWO!" If we're truly open to other cultures, why don't we seriously study any history other than European in our our schools? Generally, the only way we touch on other cultures in our schools is under the shadow of colonialism, as is well illustrated by this widely read book.
Why don't we learn about the incredible achievements and discoveries made in Asia, the Middle East, etc, during the centuries of Europe's dark ages? Why do we feel we have learned "enough" about other cultures after having only glanced over them from the perspective of why they fell to the Europeans, having not appreciated or studied them for their own merits?
While this was a wonderful book, I feel it could be understood to further feed this ethnocentrism. In truly considering whether this book would ever be read in schools of the Western world if it hadn't bowed to colonialism in the second half, I feel the answer is obviously no, and I find that a bit sad. At least Achebe's approach (I find his appeal to "White Guilt" very intelligent), ensured that readers get a watered down version of appreciation for these small tribes and their way of life.
A beautiful and simply written account that is definitely worth reading - I just felt the need to comment on how it raised this larger issue.
aliceh90's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sadiejayne3426's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Devastating. The last chapter feels like a knife in the stomach. And it’s the most important book I’ve read all year
hannibal_iii's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tinalalatina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
001's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75