A review by ceco_
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I think this is a good book that found me at the wrong time. It requires a great deal more attention than I gave to it, and more patience than I had. Because there's no real plot per se, you follow the life of Okonkwo, a fearsome warrior who faces various internal (
eg deep seated instinctual repulsion of anything 'feminine' or 'weak' borne out of his frustrations with his own father
) and external conflicts,
like his exile and, finally, missionaries' encroachment of his fatherland and all that he holds dear


There were some characters I cared for and many I didn't. 

What I do commend this book for though is that it gave me a snapshot of a life, customs and belief systems far removed from my own. Especially the animal-centric mythologies I'd never heard of before. Really enjoyed those. I think it also executes its ending and overall political message well. 

Rating breakdown:
Plot: 3
Characters: 3
Inisight: 4
Political commentary: 4