Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a historical fiction novel with complex themes. It’s centered in Nigeria, and follows the story of Okonkwo, a fierce warrior. Achebe uses vivid imagery to illustrate daily life in his tribe, and uses small details to show the reader the different aspects of the culture surrounding Okonkwo’s village. The book is centered around Okonkwo’s deep rooted hatred of his father, his relationship with his sons, and how he and his tribe will deal with foreign beliefs and ideals.
Overall I think this book is 4 stars out of 5. It carries heavy themes like gender roles, masculinity, and the struggle of change. Achebe uses words not commonly used in everyday life, making it hard to understand at times. Additionally, his writing is very complex, and it almost feels like he writes in riddles and the reader needs to decode it. With each read through, the reader can discover something new. Things Fall Apart is intricately written, and I would recommend it to high school students who are interested in learning more about different cultures.