Through his fiction and non-fiction works, Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has sought to repair the damage done to the continent of Africa and its people as a result of European colonization. This is best exemplified in his most famous novel "Things Fall Apart," one of the first African novels written in English to achieve national acclaim. Set in the 1890s, the novel deals with the impact of British colonialism on the traditional Igbo society in Nigeria. Published in 1958 – just two years before the end of a century of British rule in Nigeria – the novel celebrates its 50th anniversary of publication this year.
Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart tells the story of Okonkwo, a leader in an Igbo village in Nigeria in the 1890s, as he deals with his own personal struggles as well as the impact of British colonialism. The book describes the rich culture and complexities of Igbo society, articulating an insider’s sense of the African experience.
Achebe's Favorite Passage
The author reads to the Library of Congress on his 78th birthday here.
The author reads to the Library of Congress on his 78th birthday here.
Information about Nigeria
This link to PBS includes demographic information about the African nation as well as information about Chinua Achebe.
Author Video
'An Evening with Chinua Achebe'
This link to PBS includes demographic information about the African nation as well as information about Chinua Achebe.
Author Video
'An Evening with Chinua Achebe'
National Endowment for the Humanities resources are here. Excellent background to Things Fall Apart:
