Though it’s not a required text for this course, nor his most famous work, Chinua Achebe’s 1966 novel "A Man of the People" might be helpful to some in understanding Western influence on contemporary Africa, and in particular, Nigeria.
The novel is short (150 pages) and recounts the rise and fall of Chief the Honourable M.A.Nanga, and the regime he helped create. It is also the story of Odili, the narrator who went from skeptic, to supporter, to eventual challenger of Chief Nanga’s authority,and the authority of the government for that matter. The narrative emotion fluctuates back and forth between an acceptance of Western influence and a condemnation of it. As a consequence of western plundering a new Communist influence emerges (this is late 1960s Africa) in the country but the members of the new leftist party, including Odili, refuse to call themselves Communists for fear of being ostracized politically.
One can read this novel in two or three sittings, the only real challenges within the narrative coming every so often when the characters switch between English and Pidgin. If anyone reads this novel I would recommend they slow down and take the Pidgin carefully, as it illustrates important thematic points and is clearly deployed by Achebe at strategic intervals. The difficulty inherent in reading it can be eased by simply paying attention to the actions the characters are taking, and inferring from there.
I’m including a pair of links for anyone that’s interested (though I wouldn’t be surprised at a lack of interest over something not required for the course). The first is a short biography on Achebe including information on some of his work, including "Things Fall Apart" (which is a required text). It can be found here. And another link that will provide a summary, analysis, and overview of the novel for those who don’t have the patience to actually read can be found here. And even if you do have the patience it might be helpful to look at this in conjunction with the reading.
