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lynecia's review against another edition
4.0
Defines, Decodes and DEFIES the language, mythos and ethos of colonialism.
I've read so many of Achebe's non-fiction work in quick succession, and as a result, not only am I quite charmed (he seemed to be such a charismatic person), I've received an education that has sharpened my mind and further deepened my love and appreciation for Chinua Achebe's work, but for African/diasporic literature in general.
I never really understood what writing as resistance really meant - after all, I came up in a time where so many amazing writers had laid this wonderful foundation for me - a canon of our own, so to speak. However, to be of a generation of the "dispossessed" as Achebe calls it, who for generations had their stories co-opted, grossly defined and used as tools against them in their own oppression-- well, to write against that, against ones dispossessors (and ones own folk too. He spoke truth to power! It almost got him killed) and tell your story for yourself -- that is resistance. Literature indeed is revolutionary. We were lucky to have Chinua Achebe as one of its wielders, its upholders of the power of storytelling, a global treasure.
I've read so many of Achebe's non-fiction work in quick succession, and as a result, not only am I quite charmed (he seemed to be such a charismatic person), I've received an education that has sharpened my mind and further deepened my love and appreciation for Chinua Achebe's work, but for African/diasporic literature in general.
I never really understood what writing as resistance really meant - after all, I came up in a time where so many amazing writers had laid this wonderful foundation for me - a canon of our own, so to speak. However, to be of a generation of the "dispossessed" as Achebe calls it, who for generations had their stories co-opted, grossly defined and used as tools against them in their own oppression-- well, to write against that, against ones dispossessors (and ones own folk too. He spoke truth to power! It almost got him killed) and tell your story for yourself -- that is resistance. Literature indeed is revolutionary. We were lucky to have Chinua Achebe as one of its wielders, its upholders of the power of storytelling, a global treasure.
olivehead's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
smithel's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
thatbookishwriter's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
readingintheclouds's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I absolutely love this book its one I'd definitely read again! Highly recommend to anyone and everyone. Truly insightful, thoughtful and thought provoking.
downby1's review against another edition
3.0
The limitations of this book are in its editing, not its content. Achebe is exceptional, thoughtful, and engaging, but the selection of essays is frequently haphazard and hideously organized. A warning should be the casual use of the word ‘oeuvre’ in the volume’s dust jacket, a word with implications and pretense it is best for even an academic publisher, much less Knopf to use sparingly or not at all. More could have been made by organizing Achebe’s essays and reflections based on topic or at least chronological so as to capture the evolution and maturation of his work. Instead the image of a crowded, repetitive mind is created, even if it is wholly false
Two essays stand out among the collection. ‘Africa’s Tarnished Name’, includes an exceptional condensed overview of Achebe’s highly valid critique and repudiation of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as a liberalized exploration of the colonial experience. Achebe rightly notes the innate racism underpinning Conrad’s work and how the explanation of it being a product of his time is unacceptable. This is made all the more so by the example of David Livingston, whom Conrad idolize, who described Africans as good and evil-like all men throughout the world. By comparison, Conrad returns continually to the idea of the ‘tainted’ or ‘small’ soul of Africans, easily turned by Kurtz.
‘Politics and Politicians of Language in African Literature’ is a snapshot of Achebe on the role of native and colonial languages in the continent’s literature. Achebe remains a strong voice for both, unlike many of his contemporaries who took it as an either/or question.
Two essays stand out among the collection. ‘Africa’s Tarnished Name’, includes an exceptional condensed overview of Achebe’s highly valid critique and repudiation of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness as a liberalized exploration of the colonial experience. Achebe rightly notes the innate racism underpinning Conrad’s work and how the explanation of it being a product of his time is unacceptable. This is made all the more so by the example of David Livingston, whom Conrad idolize, who described Africans as good and evil-like all men throughout the world. By comparison, Conrad returns continually to the idea of the ‘tainted’ or ‘small’ soul of Africans, easily turned by Kurtz.
‘Politics and Politicians of Language in African Literature’ is a snapshot of Achebe on the role of native and colonial languages in the continent’s literature. Achebe remains a strong voice for both, unlike many of his contemporaries who took it as an either/or question.
chairmanbernanke's review against another edition
3.0
A nice collection of Achebe’s essays, illuminating his varied and interesting thoughts.
blessing_aj's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I remember reading The Trouble With Nigeria, many years ago and thinking that Achebe’s audacity has to be the loudest one of the Nigerian writers of his generation. This collection affirms that thought. He is brutally honest and very articulate in each essay and I love how much veneration he gives to the Igbo culture in his thought process.