A Man of the People

Chinua Achebe

Save:

Find on Amazon

political corruption

disillusionment with nigerian politics

socio political climate

brisk pacing

satirical exploration

conflict between educated youth and corrupt politicians

complexities of post independence nationalism

authentic humor

character archetypes

social insights

revenge and political machinations

dialects and rich details

"A Man of the People" by Chinua Achebe follows the story of a young man named Odili who joins his former teacher, now Minister of Culture, Nanga, in the capital. As Odili falls out with his master and joins the opposition, he becomes aware of the rampant corruption in the country but faces a population already resigned to cynicism. The novel explores themes of political power, corruption, violence, and the disillusionment with Nigerian politics in the early 1960s. Through Odili's journey and interactions with Chief Nanga, the narrative delves into the complexities of post-Independence nationalist politics and the struggle between the old and new guard.

Characters:

Characters are archetypal and represent various aspects of society, often lacking depth but serving their narrative purpose.

Writing/Prose:

The writing blends authenticity with humor, employing dialects and rich details to convey deeper social insights.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the conflict between a young educated man and a corrupt politician, highlighting themes of revenge and political machinations in a post-colonial context.

Setting:

The setting vividly illustrates the socio-political climate of early post-colonial Nigeria.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged while addressing the central conflict efficiently.

No one can deny that Chief the Honourable M. A. Nanga, M.P., was the most approachable politician in the country. Whether you asked in the city or in his home village, Anata, they would tell you he wa...

Notes:

The novel provides an honest look at human nature, exposing weaknesses and moral failings.

Odili, the narrator, embodies both relatable and duplicitous qualities, challenging readers to reflect on themselves.

Achebe hints that Odili's character may reflect aspects of his own nature.

Odili intends to write a novel about the first white men who came to Nigeria, signaling a broader critique of humanity, not just specific individuals.

The character of Odili is portrayed as self-centered and often sees others as means to an end, lacking real concern for their welfare.

Despite his flaws, Odili is aware of the corruption in Chief Nanga, but he is also critiqued for his own motivations of sex, revenge, and greed.

Achebe uses local similes throughout the narrative, enriching the text with cultural flavor.

The book critiques political loyalty based on tribal affiliation, a theme relevant universally, including Ireland.

Women in the novel often lack agency, primarily serving as objects of desire for the male characters.

The novel reflects Achebe’s own experiences with a regime that did not tolerate dissent, leading him to flee Nigeria.

It's a short, poignant exploration of disillusionment in post-colonial politics, ultimately suggesting that such regimes lead to repeated cycles of violence and corruption.

The characters are drawn quickly but familiar, representing the archetypes of young idealists and corrupt elders in politics.

Achebe expertly mixes humor with serious political themes, making it a more engaging read than compared works like 'A Handmaid’s Tale'.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of sexual violence, corruption, political unrest, and class struggles.

From The Publisher:

From the renowned author of The African Trilogy, a political satire about an unnamed African country navigating a path between violence and corruption As Minister for Culture, former school teacher M. A. Nanga is a man of the people, as cynical as he is charming, and a roguish opportunist.

When Odili, an idealistic young teacher, visits his former instructor at the ministry, the division between them is vast. But in the eat-and-let-eat atmosphere, Odili's idealism soon collides with his lusts—and the two men's personal and political tauntings threaten to send their country into chaos.

When Odili launches a vicious campaign against his former mentor for the same seat in an election, their mutual animosity drives the country to revolution. Published, prophetically, just days before Nigeria's first attempted coup in 1966, A Man of the People is an essential part of Achebe’s body of work.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (3):

Read It (3)

What can you read after
A Man of the People?

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.