Enkindle

Title: Things Fall Apart Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction Reviewer: Michael Dabi Audience: General readership, students of literature, history enthusiasts   Summary Set in the late 19th century, "Things Fall Apart" takes readers to the Igbo village of Umuofia in Nigeria. The novel's protagonist, Okonkwo, is a highly respected warrior and wrestling champion who is determined to uphold the traditional values and customs of his people. Okonkwo's father, Unoka, was considered a failure and a lazy man, which drives Okonkwo to distance himself from any associations with his father's reputation. The novel begins by painting a vivid picture of Igbo society, showcasing its tightly knit familial and communal bonds, religious practices, and reverence for ancestral spirits. Central to Igbo life is their belief in a pantheon of gods and spirits that govern various aspects of existence. The author, Chinua Achebe, skillfully introduces readers to the vibrant cultur...

            Mawufemor was only 8 years old in 1996, but he had seen enough hardship to last him a lifetime.  He had been wandering the road of Desperate Life  —aimlessly beneath the barren sky.  So afraid that he would not be found— Fearing it wouldn't be long before his sun goes down. He just needed someone—just someone—to lead him home.    Eventually, Mawufemor landed at the Abeka Market, a town about 2 kilometres from Lapaz.            In the beginning, life was difficult because he was unfamiliar with the terrain and was unaware of the territorial nature of the market and its environs. Later on, however, he began to interact with other boys his age and older who had also made the market and the lorry station their home and meeting place. Among them was a 10-year-old child named Awutsey who was as courageous as Shaka Zulu. Then there was Azumah, a 15-year-old fingersmith with a reputation f...