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A review by savaging
Hopes and Impediments: Selected Essays by Chinua Achebe
4.0
My favorite thing in Achebe is how he has mastered the polite but devastating criticism.
The most powerful essays in this work for me are the bookends: Achebe begins with a sharp critique of Joseph Conrad and Heart of Darkness. Conrad was my favorite author in high school, when I first discovered real literature. Achebe does a remarkable job of showing how the racism in the work isn't just some forgivable side issue, but radically shapes the regressive message of the entire piece -- and perpetuates the most idiotic of stereotypes.
Achebe ends with a powerful eulogy for James Baldwin. Impediments first, and then hopes.
The most powerful essays in this work for me are the bookends: Achebe begins with a sharp critique of Joseph Conrad and Heart of Darkness. Conrad was my favorite author in high school, when I first discovered real literature. Achebe does a remarkable job of showing how the racism in the work isn't just some forgivable side issue, but radically shapes the regressive message of the entire piece -- and perpetuates the most idiotic of stereotypes.
Achebe ends with a powerful eulogy for James Baldwin. Impediments first, and then hopes.