Author: Chinua Achebe
I was looking for some classic literature that had a global twist to it and this one popped up. The first thing that struck me was that I had the book upside down, and this feeling never left me, any time I saw the book lying down.
If you read no further, let me assure you that this is an awesome peek into early West African culture, just before the missionaries landed and had a major influence on life there. Achebe describes the life and struggles of an Igbo (Ibo in the book) culture in West Nigeria. If follows, Okonkwo, a yam farmer, who is a strong male role model in the village. His father did not leave him any land or yams to plant, but Okonkwo was strong and determined to succeed and by dint of his hard work and perseverance was able to overcome the adversities to became a very successful farmer. The book goes through Okonkwo's family life and some of the rituals and folklore that are typical of Igbo culture of this time. Achebe's writing comes through with a ring of authenticity and is an enthralling read to boot.
The book culminates in describing the change that the missionaries introduced when they set foot in Nigeria and the ensuing clash with the well established tribal traditions. It is a seminal novel and probably the first significant work of African Literature. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different.
I was looking for some classic literature that had a global twist to it and this one popped up. The first thing that struck me was that I had the book upside down, and this feeling never left me, any time I saw the book lying down.
If you read no further, let me assure you that this is an awesome peek into early West African culture, just before the missionaries landed and had a major influence on life there. Achebe describes the life and struggles of an Igbo (Ibo in the book) culture in West Nigeria. If follows, Okonkwo, a yam farmer, who is a strong male role model in the village. His father did not leave him any land or yams to plant, but Okonkwo was strong and determined to succeed and by dint of his hard work and perseverance was able to overcome the adversities to became a very successful farmer. The book goes through Okonkwo's family life and some of the rituals and folklore that are typical of Igbo culture of this time. Achebe's writing comes through with a ring of authenticity and is an enthralling read to boot.
The book culminates in describing the change that the missionaries introduced when they set foot in Nigeria and the ensuing clash with the well established tribal traditions. It is a seminal novel and probably the first significant work of African Literature. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different.
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