Tag: Nigerian author

Chinua Achebe—Things fall apart

Because of his lazy father, Okonkwo has strived since childhood, to get ahead in his Nigerian village. As a man, he is respected by all for his prowess in fighting and wealth, but he is stern and he strictly controls his three wives and oldest son, Nwoye, whom he fears is lazy like his grandfather. But an accident occurs, that changes Okonkwo’s life and nothing is the same after that.

Achebe has woven a beautiful tale full of unique beliefs and village customs and how change effects village life.

Nnedi Okorofor’s — Who fears death *****

Set in Africa, this futuristic fantasy focuses on the life of Onyesonwu. After her mother is raped, Onyesonwu’s mother escapes to the east away from the genocide of the Nuru tribe against the Okeke. In Jwahir, Onyesonwu is born but she is of mixed blood and the Okeke avoid her. But something is changing. Strange powers begin to develop — her singing attracts owls, she can change into a vulture and soar above the landscape. She goes to the town’s sorcerer and begs him to train her, but he turns her away because she’s a girl. Her destiny is written in the Great Book, but how will she accomplish these tasks to stop the bloodshed happening in the west that will eventually catch up with the Okeke living in the east?