Things Fall Apart

A worldwide bestseller and the first part of Achebe's African Trilogy, Things Fall Apart is the compelling story of one man's battle to protect his community against the forces of change.

Key plot summary:

• Okonkwo, the greatest wrestler and warrior alive, has a fame that spreads throughout West Africa like a bush-fire in the harmattan.
• When he accidentally kills a clansman, things begin to fall apart.
• Upon returning from exile, Okonkwo finds his village transformed by the arrival of missionaries and colonial governors.
• His world is thrown radically off-balance, leading him to hurtle towards tragedy.

Historical significance:

• First published in 1958, Chinua Achebe's stark, coolly ironic novel reshaped both African and world literature.
• It has sold over ten million copies in forty-five languages.
• This arresting parable of a proud but powerless man witnessing the ruin of his people begins Achebe's landmark trilogy of works chronicling the fate of one African community. The trilogy continues with Arrow of God and No Longer at Ease.

Praise for the book:

• "His courage and generosity are made manifest in the work" — Toni Morrison
• "A great book, that bespeaks a great, brave, kind, human spirit" — John Updike

Additional feature:

• Includes an Introduction by Biyi Bandele