A review by storyorc
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Surprisingly, a page-turner despite its slice-of-life plot. I cannot think of another protagonist that I have gone from resenting to rooting for so strongly without a redemption arc to justify it; only the external circumstances changed. Okonkwo does not wholly deserve either resentment or support. Achebe has written a book that refuses to let you observe uncritically, but that you can't look away from.

I strongly disagree with those who call the latter parts the 'good bits' also; after so learning and growing to appreciate the clan culture, they felt like an intrusion and I often found myself wishing we could go back to story threads from the lost first part. Very effective at creating empathy for Okonkwo in that way. The end is abrupt, hideous, and masterful.