Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe (Heinemann London)

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a powerful and timeless exploration of African identity, tradition, and colonial disruption. Set in late 19th-century Nigeria, the novel follows Okonkwo, a respected Igbo warrior and leader, whose life is shaped by his determination to escape the shame of his father’s failures. As Okonkwo strives to maintain his position and uphold the customs of his people, his village faces the arrival of European missionaries and colonial administrators. Achebe masterfully portrays the clash between traditional Igbo culture and the disruptive influence of colonial rule, highlighting themes of masculinity, community, and change. Written in rich, evocative prose, Things Fall Apart serves as both a critique of imperialism and a celebration of African heritage, cementing Achebe as a leading voice in world literature.