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This is a discussion for Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The dates we've decided on for reading are June 1 - June 14, 2013. I'm excited to see what great discussions we come up with!

Happy reading.

This is one of my favorite books. So excited to be discussing it with all of you here!

This is my first time reading this novel. I've always avoided it because I didn't think I'd be interested in the subject matter. But I've become enthralled with every character and aspect of this story. The family relations and the laws of the community sometimes clash, with disastrous results. I'm almost finished and I hope that I can finish it tonight after I get home from work. I'd love to discuss the story but I don't know how far along everyone else is.

I'm almost done with part 1 (I'm reading several other books at the same time, so I'm slower than I would normally be), at which point I think I'll digest for a day, post comments and questions, and then continue.

So far I'm finding it a quick read despite the frequent introduction of terms and rituals with little to no explanation. I'm hoping most of the confusion will be cleared up as I keep reading, although at times the temptation to stop and look something up online is nearly overwhelming.

I'm not joining in this group read, but have read the book before and it's one of my favourites. So much more than I was expecting, hope you all enjoy it :)

There is a short but helpful glossary of Ibo words in the back of the book. I'm sure all editions have it. It definitely helps when I can't decipher a word even through context. But Achebe does do a very good job of explaining things in context.

After finishing the book, I felt saddened by the turn of events. The story reminded me of Heart of Darkness, in that the natives were ultimately overtaken by the invading Europeans. Okonkwo's anger and aggression stemmed from his hatred and shame of his father. He refused to be like him, a sissy, "effeminate", and the only way he knew how to was to be a complete "man". But did anyone catch how he bonded with Ezinma? Yes he wished she were a boy, but that was only because he couldn't openly show her affection. This story has so many themes and levels running through it. I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did.

What do you all think about Okonkwo's first wife always being referred to as Nwoye's mother?

I enjoyed this book even though it made me sad and Okonkwo made me frustrated. His character was intrinsically flawed and that always makes me batty. I knew it wouldn't end well for him but I was saddened when it didn't end well for the whole tribe. I thought Okonkwo's suicide at the end was pushing the nail into the ground as far as it would go to show his flaws. I was a bit surprised when the gun was introduced, I hadn't realized how modern the book was. I appreciated the depiction of the missionaries and how it ultimately destroyed the tribe. It shows that Europeanization while different not always the best thing for a people, or even just the changes and divisions it causes. I enjoyed this book on many levels and am glad that I can add it to my completed books list.

Cchauncey, I notice that and thought it was reiterating the fact that women are defined by their men, and her importance to Okonkwo was simply that she birthed his son.

I was thinking that too, but his others wives were named so I was thinking maybe there might be something more that I had possibly missed. Either way, this book really got to me. I think that this is an important work and everyone should read it. I'm so glad I did!

I think also that Nwoye was the oldest son so his heir and that had some significance.

I am also really glad I read this. A great one that should be in everyone's repertoire.

I hate this book. The characters are aggravating, and I just can't get myself to like it. It is African literature, and there is very little in that genre; it does stand alone. It is well written and I understand why it is a classic; it's just not for me.
Since someone brought up Heart of Darkness I will go into a conversation as to how the two books relate. I love HoD; I think Conrad masterfully wrote that book. Achebe, however, found HoD incredibly racist. He has a spectacular essay about HoD that I recommend everyone read, the name I cannot recall but I am sure it could be easily found (upon googling Achebe, racism, and Heart of Darkness). After reading his essay where he boldly states that Conrad is a racists, I can only conclude that if he claims Conrad is a racist, then Achebe is a sexists. I am aware that neither if those statements are true. It is the haughty attitude of Achebe that is undoubtably established in that essay made me dislike Things Fall Apart even more. Both works go deeply into each society's cultures, and I feel that is one of the unique and defining quality to each of the works. Sorry for the rant.

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i got this book in my syllabus. Its quite interesting. it must be read in one go else it loses its interest.

I loved this book in highschool it was one of the only required reading that wasnt dull. I picked up the other book in the series recently at a used book store. RIP to the great author.

I was required to read this book in university, and it was one of the few I actually had no trouble getting through. The story was good, and the characters interested me.