Arrow of God By Chinua Achebe

Set in the Ibo heartland of eastern Nigeria, one of Africa’s best-known writers describes the conflict between old and new in its most poignant aspect: the personal struggle between father and son.

Ezeulu, headstrong chief priest of the god Ulu, is worshipped by the six villages of Umuaro. But he is beginning to find his authority increasingly under threat – from his rivals in the tribe, from those in the white government and even from his own family. Yet he still feels he must be untouchable – surely he is an arrow in the bow of his God? Armed with this belief, he is prepared to lead his people, even if it means destruction and annihilation. Yet the people will not be so easily dominated.

Spare and powerful, “Arrow of God” is an unforgettable portrayal of the loss of faith, and the struggle between tradition and change. Continuing the epic saga of the community in “Things Fall Apart”, it is the second volume of Achebe’s African trilogy, and is followed by “No Longer at Ease”.