Things Fall Apart by China Achebe and Shuku Shuku (Coconut Balls)…
I originally wanted to make foo foo which was mentioned in the book multiple times. However, foo foo is made with yams. I am a sweet potato gal. My mom still works in the “sweet potato capital of the world.” I am not even sure if you can buy yams here. Out of curiosity, I searched Kroger’s website and found “sweet yams” – pretty sure they meant sweet potatoes. There was another Nigerian recipe I was looking into but it called for yams minimum seven months old (cook better). You would think that is strange; however, my parents would bring home a ca-jillion pounds of sweet potatoes each year and give me a huge box. They always told me never wash the dirt off because they would last longer (don’t wash until you eat). Anyhoo… these “coconut balls” were really good and super easy to make. Recipe: https://www.africanbites.com/shuku-shukucoconut-balls/
Now for the book… This is not a book anyone would just pick up to read. I read it only because it was part of a Goodwill “Buy 20 books for $3” deal (it was either buy 20 books for $3 or pay $2 for 4 books so, yea, I’ll take 20). So, what to say… well, first, imperialism/colonialism is one of my favorite units to teach in World History. Therefore, I read this through the lens of learning a different perspective about that time period. I read an interview by Achebe that discussed the primary reason for writing the book – for others to see colonialism through the perspective of the natives (the people) of Africa. There were many who spoke out against colonialism – Joseph Conrad, Mark Twain. However, what Achebe had issues with were these people who may have spoken out against colonialism but still painted the natives as “animalistic” or “savages.” Achebe, also, never intended to write the book to paint their cultures as one without problems; however, there was more to understanding the cultures, the people, and the land. The other aspect I thought about, after reading Achebe’s interview, was an interview I came across about five years ago concerning sweatshops. A lady from Kenya (maybe an economist? can’t remember) said something that has always stuck with me. She said she wished spoiled college kids would stop protesting against what they called “sweatshops” because they know nothing about the lives of the people of Kenya. She went on to say what we, Americans, would view as a poor wage is actually a very good wage in her country. In essence, when protests occur (like the ones she was referring to), then the factories close, unemploying those who were making a good wage for their families. Hearing her perspective made me think differently. I don’t think we are not to be concerned (especially when there are legit concerns about human treatment), but I do believe that we need to consult those of the country that we seek to influence. Concerning the sweatshops video, the people of the country were not the ones protesting – American college students were and protesting an issue they knew nothing about. There were several reasons why European nations (and later U.S.) imperialized/colonized other nations; however, one reason stands out the most – those on the outside wanting those, of other nations, to be “normal” and “educated.” I always tell students that the problems of past history are still the same problems we have today – just the means and modes have changed. The human heart is still judgmental and sinful as it has always been.
So should you read it? Probably not unless you like to read books that high schoolers or college kids read and study. However, the audio version may not be too terrible (which you can find on YouTube). You can listen to it as you cook shuku shuku… 😋
Not the interview I referred to but very close (PBS interview 50 years after publication)
Another reason for colonization was to spread Christianity. Missions is so important; however, HOW you witness (rather here or in another country) is more important. A few books you may be interested in reading (I really enjoyed all three):
Poisonwood Bible (how not to be a missionary)
Peace Child (how to be a missionary to a head-hunting tribe…very interesting)
Note: if you would like to read a prequel to this story, read Evidence Not Seen (in the non-fiction pre-blog post page). It is an incredible story that actually laid the foundation for the Richardsons.
Through Gates of Splendor (really good)
