Chinua Achebe Libri

Okonkwo è un guerriero, un lottatore, un uomo ambizioso e rispettato che sogna di divenire leader indiscusso del suo clan. Dal suo villaggio Ibo, in Nigeria, la fama di Okonkwo si è diffusa come un incendio in tutto il continente. Ma Okonkwo ha anche un carattere fiero, ostinato: non vuole essere come suo padre, molle e sentimentale, lui è deciso a non mostrare mai alcuna debolezza, alcuna emozione, se non attraverso l’uso della forza. Quando la sua comunità è costretta a fronteggiare l’irruzione degli europei, l’ordine delle cose in cui Okonkwo è nato e cresciuto comincia a crollare, e la sua reazione sarà solo il principio di una parabola che lo porterà nella polvere: da guerriero temuto e venerato, a eroe sconfitto, oltraggiato. Le cose crollano, il primo libro della trilogia che ha consegnato Chinua Achebe alla fama internazionale – in corso di pubblicazione presso La nave di Teseo in una nuova traduzione – è unanimemente considerato il suo capolavoro, capace di intrecciare nella stessa vicenda due storie diverse: quella personale di Okonkwo e quella più ampia dello scontro fra due religioni e civiltà. Nella scrittura di Achebe, interprete di una grande tradizione letteraria, i conflitti ancestrali fra individuo e comunità dialogano con i percorsi accidentati della storia, le cui conseguenze investono ancora il mondo in cui viviamo.

Chinua Achebe, regarded as the father of modern African literature, created a significant impact with his African Trilogy, which includes Things Fall Apart, Arrow of God, and No Longer at Ease. These novels vividly portray the lives of three generations within an African community facing the upheaval of colonialism, from the initial British arrival to the decline of empire. The trilogy begins with Things Fall Apart, featuring Okonkwo, a village hero whose tragic pride and conflicts with missionaries lead to his downfall. Arrow of God explores the struggle between tradition and change through Ezeulu, the chief priest, whose authority is challenged by colonial forces and rivals, yet he remains resolute in his leadership, even at great cost to his people. The narrative concludes with No Longer at Ease, where Okonkwo's grandson, educated in England, returns to Lagos for a civil-service position, only to witness his moral decline as he navigates the complexities of the ruling elite. Drawing from traditional Igbo stories, the trilogy serves as a literary milestone, offering a mythic and universal perspective on modern Africa. As Toni Morrison noted, Achebe's contributions are essential to the understanding of African literature, showcasing unmatched passion, intellect, and clarity in his prose.

Essays on the history, complexity, diversity of a continent

Collects three of the author's novels, all inspired by the tragedies faced by the Igbo people during the European colonization of Africa.

"The trilogy opens with the groundbreaking Things Fall Apart, the tale of Okonkwo, a hero in his village, whose clashes with missionaries -- coupled with his own tragic pride -- lead to his fall from grace. Arrow of God takes up the ongoing conflict between continuity and change as Ezeulu, the headstrong chief priest, finds his authority is under threat from rivals and colonial functionaries. But he believes himself to be untouchable and is determined to lead his people, even if it is towards their own destruction. Finally, in No Longer at Ease, Okonkwo's grandson, educated in England, returns to a civil-service job in Lagos, only to see his morality erode as he clings to his membership in the ruling elite"-- Provided by publisher

Examines the political nature of culture and specifically literature. This title challenges the way the West has appropriated Africa with a particular emphasis on how 'imperialist' literature has been used to justify its dispossession and degradation. schovat popis

By the renowned author of Things Fall Apart, this novel foreshadows the Nigerian coups of 1966 and shows the color and vivacity as well as the violence and corruption of a society making its own way between the two worlds.

The defining experience of author's life was the Nigerian civil war, also known as the Biafran War. A marriage of history, remembrance, poetry and vivid first-hand observation, this title is a work of wisdom and compassion from one of the great voices of our age. schovat popis

An eleven-year-old boy yearns to cross the Niger River to reach the city of Asaba but lacks the fare. With his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on thrilling adventures to earn money, experiencing new delights and challenges along the way. From savoring street food to consulting a village magician, Chike's journey is filled with excitement and fear. Upon finally reaching Asaba, he discovers a reality different from his dreams, prompting a personal quest for courage and understanding. This enchanting story by Chinua Achebe explores themes of bravery and growth.

A bright young Nigerian civil servant's promising future is threatened by his acceptance of bribes