Rating: Summary: Ironic and thought provoking. Review: This book speaks to me as a Christian because it is essential to realize that Christians are not always right. In fact, sometimes Christians can be more evil and dangerous than any "savage." Mr. Achebe writes of slow and painful cultural genocide, but does so beautifully without an ounce of scorn in his voice.
Rating: Summary: A Magnificent Novel! Review: I was surprised to hear that people did not like this book. Being a high school student is no excuse for not being able to enjoy this book. I myself am a senior in high school and this book is one of the best I've ever read. It really makes you think not only about the culture of Africa, but our own culture, and the pressures we face to be accepted and respected. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: Summary: Moving and tragic. A great choice! Review: I read this book after Gallagher & Lundin's book "Literature Through the Eyes of Faith" forced me to realize that I did not stretch myself enough by reading books by women, minorities, and third-world authors. I am extremely grateful I've been pointed to this book -- it was superb.Without giving anything away, I'll simply say that this book is thought-provoking and emotionally gripping. I couldn't decide whether I was to cheer Okonkwo, or curse him. The confrontation of cultures leaves this man helpless, confused. While the reader recoils at some of the choices Okonkwo makes, at the same time, one can understand why he does some of the things he does. I will definitely read this book again -- it's well worth the time!
Rating: Summary: yummy Review: I had to read this for honor's english and was really disappointed (at first). The first few chapters are really nerve racking and patience trying. But eventually I couldn't put it down and was staying up for hours reading ahead like I wasn't supposed to. You get very involved in the book and you feel for the characters.
Rating: Summary: A fine piece of literature Review: This bookis truly is a fine piece of literature. Achebe paints this drastically different culture with such deep vibrant colour, that the reader floats through his novel with absolute familiarity. The character of Okonkwo is surely one of the finer ever constructed, leading his power and fear driven life with a fury that the reader ultimately will understand and pity. I must say that I am very dissapointed in the reviews left by some of the other readers. The repeated implication that the book was too difficult was very disconcerting, for on the contrary the book is often beautiful in its simplicity. I myself am sixteen, and it pains me to hear words written with such lack of understanding, or in some cases lack of appreciation for literature. What is the world coming to when an "honour student" can hold such low comprehension. I can only hope that such foolishness is a result of a younger age than my own, and not a symptom of the growing disease of utter ignorance.
Rating: Summary: Okonkwo a Hero? Review: As I read this book I felt as if Okankwo was supposed to be a hero. I refused to accept it. He commits the most indecent acts for the sake of "honor". As his adopted boy clings to him for protection he slaughters him so he would not loose face? I could never feel pity for such a weak creature. I have heard people refer to Okonkwo as a "brave" hero. This is the same man who broke under the slightest threat of change. Achebe has created a monster whom one should never feel pity for. However, I do believe it offers some valuable cultural knowledge regarding Africa and the missionaries of Christianity.
Rating: Summary: A beautifully written story. Review: I have read 'Things Fall Apart' on a couple of occasions; everytime that I complete it, I seem to come away with a different take, a new perspective. This time it seems that I have established a real emotional tie with Okonkwo and his plight. More than anything, Okonkwo was battling his fear of being perceived as weak or afraid, or less than a mighty warrior. The cruel and extreme measures that he took to dispell any association with these characteristics, evoked in me a feeling of sadness and pity for a man who was running from fear, but at the same time, was being fed by that same fear. I alternately hated, then loved Okonkwo, both with equal intensity. I was brought to angry tears by Ikemefuna's slaughter, but beamed with pride as Okonkwo traveled to what seemed like the ends of the earth to ensure the safety of Enzima. I have gained a sense of compassion and empathy for Okonkwo; I finally can begin to look at this character and acknowledge the good, and also attempt to understand what propelled the cruelty.
Rating: Summary: school project from heck Review: i had to read this book for an honors english assingnment last year. of course we were made to disect this book to pieces. i could barely understand the context enough to stay awake reading it, let alone understand the deeper meaning. the whole story is boring untill you get to the end. the last half of the 2nd section and the 3rd section, were the most intersting. adults who read this book will think otherwise. The ending, was twisted and i liked that, but i had to read that section 3 or 4 times to understand it. Unfortunatly my favorite part was the last chapter in the book. It was very cleverly put and made you shake your head at the commisioner.
Rating: Summary: Slow and Hard to Grasp Review: I had to read this for my Lit class and it took me 2 months to get through because I fell asleep everytime I opened it up. It did have some good things about culture in it, but a text book could have easily done that in about 5 pages.
Rating: Summary: A BIT CONFUSNG AND "OUT THERE"... Review: I was to read this book over the summer for a Social Studies Honors class. i am actually in the process of doing so at the moment. I think that the names of the characters get very confusing accept for the main character. after reading many of the different and unimportant names...you forget who is who. there are also many "side stories" within the story itself. little "adventues" that happe to other members of the tribe that have nothing to do with the plot. speaking of the plot...it is not very clear to me. i am about half way through and the book is basically aout nothing so far. all in all, only read this book if you like stories about culture...you have to read it....or you are really bored.
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