Chike embarks on a journey filled with challenges and adventures. Author: Chinua Achebe. The Major Themes of Chinua's literarily works Uploaded by Read 123 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Along the way, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the complexities of human nature. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. Chikes circumstances in the novel are extremely harsh since he cannot even afford a ride across the river. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. Many children do not realize the poverty that many people experience across the world. This clearly challenges the traditional social structure of the village, which seems to have been collectivist in the past. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. Phone: 519-749-4300 Ext. This book is definitely geared towards a younger crowd (9-13yrs) but enjoyable for older folks who are aware that it's on the lighter side of Achebe's writing. Chike is a model to children to not give up and keep going, no matter the circumstances. FreeBookNotes found 6 sites with book summaries or analysis of Chike and the River. Amoss decision to marry Sarah reflects the extent to which colonial influence is capable of altering local culture. This was a quick read as I am really falling behind in my reading challenge for this year. Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email. I really enjoyed the African art that was included in this book. Loved it. Inevitably, the day arrives when a neighbor offers. And if you want to celebrate Achebe's recent passing read. Common examples of his juvenilia works include Chike and the River - 1966, The Drum - 1977 and The Flute - 1979 (Lyons, 1998). Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. By choosing to marry Sarah, Amos has perhaps inadvertently chosen to honor the authority of Mr. Brown over the values of his people. . Struggling with distance learning? In-depth summary and analysis of every of Chike's School Days. who seems wise beyond his years. The brilliance of Mr. Achebes prose is his ability to make readers feel like an omniscient sprite on Chikes shoulder: along for the ride and privy to all that he senses and sees.'"[2]. 96 pages I will trade kerosene, matches, dry fish and palm oil.Mamma . Answer. BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfictionbooks that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In spite of this fact, Caesar continues to be included on the curriculum due to colonial prioritization of Western culture. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. With his increased confidence, he is motivated once again to find a way to acquire one shilling to cross the River Niger. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there Teachers and parents! By clicking SIGN UP,I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random Houses, certain categories of personal information, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information. I was actually really surprised while reading this how well it matched up with the stories and sentiments he told me :). The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime. Not a One-Hit Wonder. Chike and the River. The illustrations in the newer edition are lovely adding a nice playful touch. This speaks to the innovation that always exists at the merging of two cultures: words are re-signified, and through this resignification, new forms of meaning are produced that are original to neither British nor Igbo culture. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. Mamma I'm 11 years now , I can go to Onitsha by myself!All these vegetables are from your farm?We'll eat these. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Because, as in all good folktales, Achebe wants us to know that a good heart, paired with curiosity and determination, can yield results beyond our greatest dreams. This highlights the foreignness of the language theyre required to use in school and invites readers to consider how unnatural it is for children to learn the foreign language of their countrys colonizers at such a young age. Since he is still considered the new kid in school he wants to fit in with his friends, leading him to tell some lies about the wealth of his family. Whilst in Onitsha, he washed cars and got the money. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe, 2010, Cambridge University Press edition, in English Chike makes it his goal to find money to take his journey across the River Niger. Just $45 for 12 months or This is a children's book, sweet as a folk-tale from the author of, Oh yeah, I did it, I picked a book without magic, monsters and great villains :D Miracles do happen :) But I'll get back to my monsters, I promise :) No need to worry :). His parents, Sarah and Amos, are so happy to have birthed a son that at his baptism, they give him three names: John, Chike, and Obiajulu, which means "the mind is at last at rest.". All Right Reserved. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for THE EPISTEMOLOGY OF MOTIVATION: HARNESSING THE ART By Egeni Chike Camilius *NEW* at the best online prices at eBay! Despite facing various obstacles, including the disapproval of his father, who believes the city is a place of corruption and danger, Chike is determined to fulfill his dream. As he hatches scheme after scheme to earn what he needs, Chike begins to explore his new surroundings while adjusting to the odd rules of this new way of life. He was tired of living in a bush village and wanted to see a big city. Publication Information. Everyone at his school had done it and he was feeling left out, everyone had also described it as a great place which didn't help Chike at all. Chike and the river. While it can be assumed that Chikes peers grow up eating in neighbors houses and being cared for by various adults in the community, Chike and his sisters have only their parents to rely on. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. He did not know. The cold dismissiveness of the narrators description of a song made up by a child as meaningless is intentionally cynical. It was a great story that wasn't too drawn out, but showed than innately we all know the right actions to take in most situations. on August 18, 2020, There are no reviews yet. | ISBN 9780307742070 - Toni Morrison The reference to Chikes school clothes illustrates the subtle influence of colonial culture: these are likely not traditional Igbo clothes, meaning that the schoolchildren are expected to conform to a westernized style of dress in order to attend school. "Chike was now 11 years-old, and he had never left his village. My husband is Nigerian and based on the stories about school he's told me, this seems pretty accurate! Achebe gifts us with a short tale about Chike, a pre-teen, who is fixated on his desire to cross the river on a ferry boat. You could read this book directly on your devices with pdf, epub and kindle format, check detail and related Chike and the River books below. "Without a single sensational slip, this succinct little reading delight is an even-handed slice of life that depicts poverty and hardship realistically but with a dignified reserve, as a very likable young Nigerian boy learns the tough lessons of life, with honors." His first novel, published in 1958, is a slim, stone-cold masterpiece about the colonialism and the brutal collapse of traditional village life as seen through the eyes of its doomed hero, Okonkwo. It does meander a bit like a young child's mind/life tends to (or like a river which makes part of the title) so there isn't a driving plot per se, but still overall a sweet story. Also by Chinua Achebe. His mother had told him to stay away from the Niger river. The notorious S.M.O.G. GoodReads community and editorial reviews can be helpful for getting a wide range of opinions on various aspects of the book. Complete your free account to request a guide. Achebe, Chinua. Search String: Summary | The reviewer gives their opinion of the book as well as provides titles with similar themes and subjects. All of her books were written by Westerners, which meant there were no characters just like her, living lives just like hers, so he created one for her. Chike and the River, by Chinua Achebe, is released on Tuesday, August 9, by Anchor Books ($10). This suggests that Amoss decision to go against the communitys traditions has so disturbed Elizabeth that she would rather trust in someone who has proven himself to be unreliable rather than stay in the religion that normalizes Amos and Sarahs marriage. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. Author: Chinua Achebe. Publisher. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. It sheds light on the challenges faced by young people growing up in a changing world and provides a nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society during a time of transition. It's a simple story, told in the style of boys' escapades and heroic entanglements with comic-book hoods. -Graham S. In response to what Elizabeth judges as Amoss poor decision, Elizabeth goes to consult the diviner, who functions as the foil of Mr. Brown when it comes to figures of leadership and authoritywhereas Mr. Brown represents encroaching Western influences, the diviner represents the villages devotion to their traditional religion. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. There are no reviews yet. BuffaloLib's library catalog tends to include a brief plot synopsis and a collection of selected trade reviews for each entry. Achebe's vivid storytelling and rich characters make . This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. What an amazing story. Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes! PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Loved it. - Publishers Weekly Originally published in South Africa in 1966, Chinua Achebe's children's book Chike and the River finally makes its debut here in the United States. Chinua Achebe was born in the Igbo village of Ogidi, Nigeria. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. To right this imbalance, Achebe created this short novel, Chike and the River, first published as a pamphlet in 1966, the story of a Nigerian boy who overcomes fear and . Many reviews are behind a subscriber paywall. First of all, the anxiety about not having any male children is a marked characteristic of Igbo culture (although the privileging of sons is by no means exclusive to the Igbo people). Instant downloads of all 1715 LitChart PDFs From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! Chike and the River, by Chinua Achebe, is released on Tuesday, August 9, by Anchor Books ($10). This gives his fascination with the river an aspect of the elemental, as if here, at least . The Books Alexis Patterson Is Loving Right Now, Amazing Childrens Books by Arab and Arab American Authors, Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews. Achebe wrote Chike and the River in order to provide African schoolchildren with a book whose protagonist is a young boy who shares their cultural background. The content of this site is published by the site owner(s) and is not a statement of advice, opinion, or information pertaining to The Ohio State University. Print Book, English, 2010. Supposedly, he was dismayed that the books in his daughters school were all written by Europeans so wrote Chike and the River to give her characters she could relate to. Sites like SparkNotes with a Chike and the River study guide or cliff notes. 8 - 11 years. Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. Its written elegantly but simply, as befits a book for children, and the tale perfectly blends fable with adventure. I really liked Chike's character and how he came to the right solutions on his own. Achebe's vivid storytelling and rich characters make "Chike and the River" a compelling and thought-provoking read. Chinua Achebewas born in Nigeria in 1930. Release date Aug 9, 2011. 96 pages. As a child, I firmly held on to the belief of a white baby being prized. 835 King Street West. Intermediate teachers would enjoy sharing this small chapter book with their students. All of Chikes friends speak of the amazing River Niger and taking the ferries across it to the city of Asaba. Dimensions. Chike defiantly going to see the ferry becomes a heroe. While this does not feel the caliber of Things Fall Apart, it is good story. It sheds light on the challenges faced by young people growing up in a changing world and provides a nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society during a time of transition. It is important for children to understand life across the world, not just in their hometown. . Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe, 2011, Anchor edition, Why is your favorite about chike and the river. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY APR 11, 2011. Its a handsome paperback edition for all ages with woodcut illustrations by Edel Rodriguez, but Achebes reputation and a blurb from. Rather than getting that visceral sense of such a distant place (from where I am right now), it felt a bit trivial, with some foreign vocab thrown in for show. Primary Location of Practice. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. Why, S.M.O.G. Because English is not Chikes native languagerather, it is imposed on him through colonialismChike is forced to create his own definitions. Cliff Notes , Cliffnotes , and Cliff's Notes are trademarks of Wiley Publishing, Inc. SparkNotes and Spark Notes are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Instant PDF downloads. We are experiencing technical difficulties. Finally, the fact that this is communicated through song rather than regular speech nods to the overall challenge characters face in expressing themselves throughout the story. It also adds complexity to the idea that the social structures of the village are being challengedthe neighbor alludes to the fact that Chike is an Osu, a member of the lowest class. At the historical moment when Achebe wrote the story, postcolonial literature was becoming an internationally recognized genre. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. The reading and the way it is written is very straight forward. Most notably, Achebe highlights the absurdity of young Igbo children learning about Julius Caesar, who is irrelevant to young children growing up in 20th-century Nigeria. Therefore, Chike is not only subverting traditional values by not accepting the food of heathens, but is also subverting the hierarchy that exists among castes in the village by asserting himself to a member of a higher social class. Although he is concerned about the fact that his mother said to stay away from the river, this increases his curiosity even more. One day, Chike becomes fascinated with the idea of crossing the river to the city of Asaba, located on the other side. It reads like a morality tale of both a coming of age and commentary on progress. Since hes Providence guy now, Im claiming him as an adjunct local. With his passing, I wanted to make a point of reading more of Achebe. When serendipity leads to a delightful read. It's moral message is also of that stature. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . Publishers Weekly reviews vary in length, with all focusing on a synopsis of the book and a look at the quality of writing. Author Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying, from eating his first skewer of suya under the shade of a mango tree, to visiting the village magician who promises to double the money in his pocket. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. In addition to teaching children to not give up, the novel gives children a look at life in Nigeria. Here . Chike becomes determined to take this journey across the river and will do whatever it takes to achieve it, ignoring his mothers advice to stay away from the River Niger. Summary and Analysis. in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Chike, a young boy from Nigeria, has lived in Umuofia for nearly eleven years, until his mother sends him away to live with his uncle in Onitsha. He was the More about Chinua Achebe, Praise for Chinua AchebeA magical writerone of the greatest of the twentieth century. Margaret AtwoodAfrican literature is incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Chinua Achebe. Toni MorrisonChinua Achebe is gloriously gifted with the magic of an ebullient, generous, great talent. Nadine GordimerAchebes influence should go on and on . However, he also encounters kindness and friendship from unexpected sources. The writing is child-like and innocent in the best ways possible. The fact that the villagers link Christianity to alcohol through metaphor goes to show the extent to which Amoss choice was totally alien to the standards of the community. Be the first to review "Chike and The River" Click here to cancel reply. Although this novel is considered fiction, children can easily relate to the characters in the novel. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make the trip to Asaba. Chike, a Nigerian boy. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make the trip to Asaba. Title He is the author of five novels, two short-story collections, and numerous other books. Reading age. It can be inferred, then, that if members continue converting to Christianity, relatively isolated nuclear families the village will soon become the norm in the village. Again, after multiple attempts in trying to increase the money he found, he fails, so he almost gives up on his dream. Chike and the River is a children's story by Chinua Achebe. Whilst on the other side, he lost track of time and missed the last boat back. ISBN 9780307742070. But when the time actually came for . Book Review by Kam Williams. I think that this should be an elementary school book. The language is simplistic, to the extent that the booklet would do well as a children's book. 5173. Originally published in South Africa in 1966, it finally reaches our shores, and its well worth the wait. Originally published in South Africa in 1966, Chinua Achebes childrens book Chike and the River finally makes its debut here in the United States. Just for joining youll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members. In as much as the target audience of the above listed works comprise of scholars and adults, Chinua Achebe is also among the pioneer authors' of children literature. 1,500. FreeBookNotes found 6 sites with book summaries or analysis of Chike and the River. "Chike and the River" is a novel by Chinua Achebe, a Nigerian author renowned for his literary works that explore the complexities of African culture and colonialism. In short, Achebes book is the kind that your child (and you) will hold onto, in the same way as, say, The Phantom Tollbooth or Anne of Green Gables. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. Instant PDF downloads. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. It was first published in 1966 by Cambridge University Press, with illustrations by Prue Theobalds, and was the first of several children's stories Achebe would write. "Rodriguez's charming illustrations add texture to a classic children's story." More Information | Achebe gives an insight to children across the world what life in Nigeria is like. This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. In the moment the story is narrated, this world does not yet exist, and therefore cannot yet be conceived of by Chike or even the adults in his family. This moment further indicates that the way Chike is raised isolates him from his community. More Books, Published Aug 2011 Almost 20 years later, I can still see him in the room: Quietly intense but with a gentle, encouraging manner, Ng?g? What a delightful read. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Chike and the River does well in tying in cultural ideas into a story interesting for children. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Much more welcoming for all of us is his long-lost childrens book, Chike and the River, just getting a very belated reissue next week. However, with the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarked on a series of adventures to enable him get to Asaba. Episodic as any good kids book should be, it also vividly addresses a young persons feeling of confusion when everything seems new or how the town always looks cooler on the other side of the river. CHIKE AND THE RIVER. More than 40 years ago, when Chinua Achebe's daughter started preschool in Nigeria, the internationally famous author of Things Fall Apart discovered that all the school texts for African children were written by Westerners. This information about Chike and the River was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter.Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. Chike and the River is a sixty-page chapter book intended for middle readers with illustrations by Prue Theobalds. Also includes sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Chinua Achebes Chike and the River. Light quick read, good for reading lists. Books barged into my life and tossed my low self-esteem out of the window by showing me Pecola from. Additionally, even though it is clearly exaggeration, his sisters inference that the (presumably English) schoolteacher flogged students to death is one of the more obvious allusions to colonialism as a form of violence in village life. He also enlists the help of his new, mischievous schoolmates, including one called S.M.O.G. Article We found no such entries for this book title. teaching and reminding that all humankind is one. The NationThe father of African literature in the English language and undoubtedly one of the most important writers of the second half of the twentieth century. Caryl Phillips,The ObserverWe are indebted to Achebe for reminding us that art has social and moral dimensiona truth often obscured. Chicago TribuneHe is one of the few writers of our time who has touched us with a code of values that will never be ironic. Michael OndaatjeFor so many readers around the world, it is Chinua Achebe who opened up the magic casements of African fiction. Kwame Anthony Appiah[Achebe] is one of world literatures great humane voices. Times Literary SupplementAchebe is one of the most distinguished artists to emerge from the West African cultural renaissance of the post-war world. The Sunday Times(London)[Achebe is] a powerful voice for cultural decolonization. The Village VoiceChinua Achebe has shown that a mind that observes clearly but feels deeply enough to afford laughter may be more wise than all the politicians and journalists. TimeThe power and majesty of Chinua Achebes work has, literally, opened the world to generations of readers. Chike begins adapting to the new environment in Onitsha. Author: Chinua Achebes novel, Chike and the River, perfectly displays the idea of working to achieve a dream. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. He tries many times to obtain the money, however, all of his attempts fail. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." . Seed dispersal itself is an easy analogy for colonialism: the schoolteachers job is essentially to planting the figurative seed for Igbo children to be dependent on and tied to English culture. Africanbookworm By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. Originally written in 1966, this book tells the story of Chike, a young boy with a simple dream: to cross the river.
chike and the river summary
