“Things Fall Apart” By Chinua Achebe

Courtesy of Barnes&Noble.com

By Rakhety Livingston
VOX Staff

These days, it’s hard to find books filled with action, excitement and love. So why not go back to the good ole days and read a classic like, “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe? Follow the story of Okonkwo, a warrior from the Umuofia clan in West Africa, who worked all of his life to become the toughest, meanest, strongest warrior alive.

The book starts out with young Okonkwo struggling to overcome his lazy father’s shadow. In order to gain status in the clan, Okonkwo becomes a wrestler. In little time, he becomes the best wrestler in the clan and later the best warrior. In his efforts to become strong and independent he lost all feelings of love and compassion — even to his own children.

At the height of his popularity and strength, problems come to his land. Colonists and missionaries have come to Umuofia to try and convert its people to the Christian faith. Okonkwo, who stays true to his faith, feels betrayed as the people around him accept this new religion. He tries to start a rebellion, but the colonists resort to violence, and it seems all hope is lost.
Join Okonkwo on his quest to restore order and peace to his clan. With death, glory, colonization and an unexpected ending, “Things Fall Apart” is a book you have to read to believe.

Rakhety is a 9th grader at Grady High.