Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) is widely considered to be the father of modern African literature.  He is best known for his masterful African Trilogy, consisting of Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God, and No Longer at Ease.  The trilogy tells the story of a single Nigerian community, over three generations, from first colonial contact to urban migration and the breakdown of traditional cultures.

​

Things Fall Apart, the debut novel, was first published in 1958.  It depicts pre-colonial life in the southeastern part of Nigeria and the arrival of Europeans during the late 19th century.  It is seen as the archetypal modern African novel in English and one of the first to receive global critical acclaim.  It is a staple book in schools throughout Africa and is widely read and studied in English-speaking countries around the world.

​

The novel follows the life of Okonkwo, an Igbo ("Ibo"in the novel) man and local wrestling champion in the fictional Nigerian clan of Umuofia.  The simple story of "strong man" whose life is dominated by fear and anger, Things Fall Apart is written with remarkable economy and subtle irony.  Uniquely and richly African, at the same time it reveals Achebe's keen awareness of the human qualities common to men of all times and places.  

​

* From Wikipedia and the book's cover 

Books (large print) and CD-audios are available at the circulation desk at the library.