Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He is best known for his novel 'Things Fall Apart', which is considered one of the most important books in African literature.

Books

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This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Things Fall Apart

    Cover of 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe

    This novel explores the life of Okonkwo, a respected warrior in the Umuofia clan of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria during the late 1800s. Okonkwo's world is disrupted by the arrival of European missionaries and the subsequent clash of cultures. The story examines the effects of colonialism on African societies, the clash between tradition and change, and the struggle between individual and society. Despite his efforts to resist the changes, Okonkwo's life, like his society, falls apart.

    The 60th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Arrow of God

    Cover of 'Arrow of God' by Chinua Achebe

    Set in Nigeria during the early 20th century, the story follows Ezeulu, the chief priest of the god Ulu, as he struggles to maintain his position of power in his village and with his own family. As the British colonial government seeks to exert control, Ezeulu finds himself caught between the traditional religious practices of his people and the new political realities. The narrative explores themes of power, tradition, change, and the clash of cultures.

    The 733rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Anthills Of The Savannah

    Cover of 'Anthills Of The Savannah' by Chinua Achebe

    This novel explores the political turmoil and corruption in a fictional West African country following a military coup. Through the lives of three childhood friends who have risen to positions of power and influence, the narrative delves into themes of leadership, betrayal, and the quest for democracy in a post-colonial African society. As the country teeters on the brink of chaos, the characters' personal and political dilemmas reflect the broader struggles of a nation grappling with its identity and governance. The story is a poignant commentary on power, the complexities of freedom, and the enduring human spirit amidst societal upheaval.

    The 6470th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. No Longer At Ease

    Cover of 'No Longer At Ease' by Chinua Achebe

    The novel centers on a young Nigerian man, educated in England, who returns to his home country with high ideals and a desire to contribute to the development of a post-colonial, independent Nigeria. However, he finds himself trapped between the expectations of his traditional Igbo community and the corrupt practices entrenched in the government bureaucracy. As he struggles to navigate the complex moral landscape, his integrity is compromised, leading to his eventual downfall. The story is a poignant exploration of the challenges of modernity and the clash between traditional values and the temptations of a rapidly changing world.

    The 8468th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. An Image Of Africa

    Racism in Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness
    Cover of 'An Image Of Africa' by Chinua Achebe

    "An Image of Africa" is a critical essay that explores the portrayal of Africa and Africans in Western literature, focusing particularly on Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." The author argues that Conrad, despite being celebrated as a paragon of modernist literature, presents Africa as an antithesis to Europe and civilization, and Africans as culturally and humanly inferior. This work challenges the implicit racism in treating Africa as merely a backdrop for the breakdown of Europeans, urging a reevaluation of how African people and their cultures are depicted in literature and beyond.

    The 13923rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. A Man Of The People

    Cover of 'A Man Of The People' by Chinua Achebe

    The novel explores the political landscape of a fictional African country through the eyes of Odili, a young and idealistic teacher who becomes disillusioned with the corrupt practices of his former mentor, Chief Nanga, a populist politician. As Odili navigates the complexities of power, ambition, and morality, he finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. The story delves into themes of corruption, tradition versus modernity, and the struggle for integrity in a rapidly changing society.

    The 14410th Greatest Book of All Time
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