Evening Discussion: Things Fall Apart

Last night's discussion of Things Fall Apart was so rockin that we went over by half an hour. We were joined by new member Tracy Richards who set a proper example as an English teacher and came with notes she had made while reading the book. Her fresh perspective added a lot to our discussion. Linda supplied us with some decadent chocolate bunt cake for refreshments so we were feeling no pain as we worked through the discussion guide questions. A couple of interesting discussion points-- some members felt that Achebe was illustrating to us that Oko didn't possess the character traits of a leader. He was motivated by fear and lacked compassion in his personal relationships. This was mirrored on the societal level by James Smith who pushed Christianity onto the Ibo with no appreciation for their culture. Lori Lundblad who recommended the book for discussion shared her experiences of reading it for the time in college while working with international students, some from Niger. These students related some first hand reactions to the type of cultural clash described in the book. For instance, what happens to the second or third wives and their children after it becomes illegal to have more than one wife? It was a great discussion with everyone (even Celeste who hadn't finished the book) contributing their thoughts.

Afternoon Discussion: Things Fall Apart

Afternoon discussion of Achebe's Things Fall Apart was lively and tart with my core girls Cristi and Karen and lemon meringue pie for refeshments. We all had a positive reaction to the book. Crisiti commented that this was the kind of book she joined book group to read. We appreciated Achebe's unbiased voice in telling this story, especially remarkable since it's drawn from his own experience. The discussion questions seemed especially well written this month and we used them as the framework for our discussion. A couple of points not really addressed in the questions though, Was Oko's suicide a final act as a warrior or an act or resignation? Regarding the priestess--we discussed whether her role in the tribe mirrors the role of our psychics, just a regular gal at the checkout counter until she goes into a trance and channels dead people. The discussion flowed easily from larger societal issues--government, religion to individual experience of relationships in families and responses to change or outsiders. We agreed we wouldn't want to be Nigerian tribal women.