Chinua Achebe

Chinua Achebe was a renowned Nigerian novelist, poet, professor, and critic. He is best known for his novel 'Things Fall Apart' (1958), which is considered a classic of modern African literature. Achebe is often referred to as the father of African literature in English, and his work is celebrated for its exploration of the impacts of European colonialism on African society. His writing was notable for its use of indigenous African storytelling techniques and its focus on the complexities of African life and cultures.

Books

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

    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.

  2. 2. Arrow of God

    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.

  3. 3. No Longer At Ease

    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.