Genre = Novel, History
Elaborate Description
This book may follow the story of Okonkwo, but the its purpose to show differences. Differences between the clans, family, and foreigners. Some differences are temporal while others contemporaneous. Some of the differences are to due changing circumstances, for which the main character tried to maintain more control than possible. The author does a wonderful job at expressing those differences and the variety of ways with dealing with change.
The region that is described had 9 different clans. While other clans had their high title deluded, as they were able to be purchased by anyone, Okonkwo’s clan kept the high title very sacred and exclusive. Okonkwo had earned one such title while he was always ashamed that his father had not. Okonkwo’s belief system expresses itself by doing everything opposite of what his father had done, such as being lazy. When Okonkwo sees the same defects in his children, the children get a harsh treatment.
The story presented many difficult situations, and showed the cultural aspects in creating the set decisions in dealing with the situation. The book’s cultural divisions and lessons arrive more steadily as the book progresses, leaving the biggest differences of culture to the end. Great book for helping to understand the struggle of cultural, and other, divides.
Book Details
Pages to read: 207
Publication: 1994
1st Edition: 1959
Format: Paperback
Ratings out of 5:
Readability 4
Content 2
Overall 3
