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 The first authentic African voice is a loud whisper July 15, 2008
Chinua Achebe's acclaimed novel starts out as a thoughtful invocation of the culture and values of the Igbo people in pre-colonial Nigeria at a time when advice is sought from oracles and medicine-men, justice despatched through blood feuds and human sacrifice, and where the manly virtues of the warrior remain the defining quality sought by all self-respecting men. Embarrassed by his weak father Okonkwo sets out to be become a clan leader through steely determination, hard work and plain bullying. A lot of good it does him, though. A fatal accident - not in any way his fault - results in flight from his clan and a humiliating seven year exile. On his return, the missionaries had arrived in his village and we all know what happened next: the end of civilisation as they knew it.
This is an important book inasmuch as it was one of the first authentic African voices to portray the effects of colonialism on a traditional African society, and it came at a time when the British Empire had run its course and was on the verge of disintegration. However, it is an immature work written in a style so concise as to appear almost light, and is not the masterwork that it is claimed to be despite its undoubted virtues of accuracy and honesty. The author - as I'm sure he would admit - was to compose better works.
 Wonderful prose and an eye opener June 27, 2008
This seminal work of modern African literature tells the story of tribal civilisation in Nigeria just at the point where the British first arrive. The central character Okonkwo is a proud and feared tribal warrior. The wrestling exploits of his youth are legend and established him as an alpha male in the region. He is also a breed apart from his fellow villagers. He is ruthless, hugely ambitious, hard working and acquisitive. Okonkwo's steady path to advancement in the village is cut short however when he is implicated in the death of a villager and sent in to exile for seven years. This is the falling apart of Okonkwo's world and he finds it very difficult to adapt to his new circumstances. But more than this, the civilisation that Okonkwo inhabits is about to fall apart, as it meets the first wave of British imperialism. The new colonial master is depicted dispassionately by Achebe, almost as if he is merely reporting on events - there is no overt judgement of the British. (When you consider Achebe's journalistic training and background this is less surprising). Indeed, though they are alien to each other, Okonkwo understands only too well that the brutal logic of the encroaching imperialist power dictates that might must prevail. As a bully and a strongman, it is the code that he has understood and followed all his life. We also see that many of the changes that the British bring are more readily welcomed than you would expect - religion and western education for example - and that people are lured to what is new and different. This novel depicts a complex tribal society - far more complex than the imperialist power would have understood or given it credit for. It is also a novel about change and adapting to it and the insignificance of the little man in the face of this change.
 A most enchanting book April 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The story in this book takes place in the countryside of Nigeria during the reign of Queen Victoria. The central character - Okonkwo, is a man who despises his father and aspires to be the total opposite. He is ambitious and wishes to live in such a way that will lead to status and respect. In particular he wishes to be awarded a number of titles which could ultimately see him as the chief of the tribe. He shows very little outward love towards his family, especially towards his children, because he wants to make sure that none of become a wastrel like his father. Also he wants to appear to be tough so that his ambitions can be achieved.
As the story unfolds Okonkwo makes a number of mistakes - probably the most serious one where he accidently kills another and has to go into exile in a neighbouring village for 7 years. While he is away things go very badly for his home village. A white commuinity and their church start taking control of the region - very difficult to stop, because some of the villagers are members of the church.
When Okonkwo returns, and later attends a meeting to stop the power of the white colonizers, things continue to fall apart for both Okonkwo and the village as a whole. The ending is a surprise and is in a way depressing. Okonkwo acts rashly again decapitating one of the messengers sent by the while colonisers. He then disappears and is later found hanged - apparently suicide.
This is a wonderful book to read, not just because of the central theme, but also because of the details of African society, that people like myself are totally ignorant of. There are many different things that you can learn by reading this story.
Highly recommended
 A disappointing read! April 20, 2008
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
Achebe's feeble and disengaging characterisation is surpassed only by patronising simplicity. In attempting to depict the primal authenticity of pre-colonial African culture he has created a book that not only fails to do full justice to the tribe's struggle against Western imperialism but wholly relies on plot driven devices leaving in its wake a shallow and superficial tribute to one of history's most tragic struggles.
An acknowledged classic. April 2, 2008
For once the hype is deserved. This is a very rich book, the characters leaping out of the prose and connecting with the reader on a one-to-one basis. Fundamentally the book is about the clash of cultures and the dangers that this brings. An important message, given the current climate. Readers who enjoyed this book will also like: One Love Two Colours: The unlikely marriage of a Punk Rocker & his African Queen, by Margaret Oshindele. Another book that looks at culture clash, but from the modern perspectives of a Yoruba woman and an Englishman.
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