A delightful and quick read - part children's story, part fable. Reading age. Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email. A class blog on conversations about international children's literature maintained by Nithya Sivashankar's students, Book review: Chike and the River, By Chinua Achebe. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. At one point, three of Chikes classmates are fooled by a trader into taking brain pills that would help them remember what they read for their exams but they started behaving like mad people and had to be rushed to the hospital. They were okay but so shaken by the experience they failed the exams anyway. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. He did not know. Not a One-Hit Wonder. Basically a long-ish children's book, 'Chike and the River' unfolds with all the simplicity and wide-eyed wonder of a parable or a fable, gently moralizing along the way. But Ng?g? Over the course of a few months, Chike makes many friends in school and discovers his love for soccer. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . 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. Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Teachers and parents! To some children, a trip across a river does not seem like much, yet, to someone like Chike, this journey means the world. Summary and Analysis. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. By using words and discussing cultural practices in Nigeria, Achebe helps children begin understanding the idea of different cultures at an early age rather than later. Free shipping for many products! Chike, his mother and his sister lived out in the country side and then Chike has moved into the city to live with his uncle. Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes! And though I know the moral tale is a huge part of African lit, at least they usually have some fun with animals that speak and fuck and kill and humans who are evil or beautiful or unbelievably rich. 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. Search: If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This moment further indicates that the way Chike is raised isolates him from his community. Literary Freedom Project557 Grand Concourse PMB 143Bronx NY 10451info@literaryfreedom.org. "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." In Indian context, this belief might slightly be different from the belief fed to a child, say, in Nigeria, but in its essence, there are similarities between them. Chike and the River By Chinua Achebe Anchor Books Review by Deatra Haime Anderson. Here . The language is simplistic, to the extent that the booklet would do well as a children's book. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Common examples of his juvenilia works include Chike and the River - 1966, The Drum - 1977 and The Flute - 1979 (Lyons, 1998). Interestingly, Elizabeth chooses to reconvert to her traditional faith, even though the diviners ritual doesnt work. Publishers Weekly reviews vary in length, with all focusing on a synopsis of the book and a look at the quality of writing. Just for joining youll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members. He saves up money by doing odd jobs and eventually convinces his father to allow him to travel to the city. Chike and his friends make you remember childhood as a time of dreams, friends and all the good and bad that come with them, warnings from adults and brave acts of discovery each day. If you have 30 minutes and any interest, this tale by Achebe will charm you. I think that this should be an elementary school book. Chinua Achebe is the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University. With this incredible debut Milan has rocketed himself into the literary stratosphere. One day, Chike becomes fascinated with the idea of crossing the river to the city of Asaba, located on the other side. Publisher. - Toni Morrison It is important for children to understand that they can overcome their challenges and keep going, which Achebe helps promote through this novel. Why is your favorite about chike and the river. 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. This passage suggests that Chike and his sisters are isolated from their community due to their parents Christian beliefs. Neither text, nor links to other websites, is reviewed or endorsed by The Ohio State University. But where would he get the money? Intermediate teachers would enjoy sharing this small chapter book with their students. was one of my all-time favorite teachers and became one of my all-time favorite authors anyone should get immersed in epic novels, from the angry, political classic Petals of Blood and the hilarious satire The Wizard of the Crow. Chike, a Nigerian boy. Join BookBrowse today to start discovering exceptional books! I am quite surprised that I found this book in the 8th grade section of my school's library. I was actually really surprised while reading this how well it matched up with the stories and sentiments he told me :). Achebe perfectly created an enjoyable childrens novel that inspires children to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives. As the story goes, Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria. 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. The story is set in Nigeria during the mid-20th century and follows the adventures of a young boy named Chike. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. PDF downloads of all 1715 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. In classic Achebe style, proverbs and folktales are peppered throughout the simple but well told story of a boy trying to make his way across the river and ultimately learning sometimes the grass isn't quite as green on the other side as one thought. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Analysis. Publication date. Buy, Aug 09, 2011 | ISBN 9780307742070 | 7-9 years. All rights reserved.Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the permission of the copyright holder or their agent. He is an ambassador of art, and a profound recorder of the human condition. Michael Dorris, Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House, Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network. Four New Venues Reinventing Boston Live Music, This search result is here to prevent scraping, See the Most Expensive Home Listing Ever to Hit the South Shore, Take a Look Inside the Most Expensive Single-Family Home Ever Sold in Boston, The Everyday Affects of the Marathon Bombings, Ten Years Later, Here's Where to Find the Best Fish and Chips in Boston, Pizza Project Pop-Up to Open Restaurant at the Speedway, By the Way, Theres a Work of Art Made of Human Hair in Salem, Careers and Internships at Boston Magazine. Author: | 7-9 years At the historical moment when Achebe wrote the story, postcolonial literature was becoming an internationally recognized genre. Teachers and parents! See all books by Chinua Achebe. Though there are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down Chike and his town and friends. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. Sites like SparkNotes with a Chike and the River study guide or cliff notes. Books barged into my life and tossed my low self-esteem out of the window by showing me Pecola from. FreeBookNotes found 6 sites with book summaries or analysis of Chike and the River. 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. This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Publisher Penguin Group. I do like the looks into Chike's daily life and the culture he grew up in; Chike ended up being a very likeable protagonist. In addition to teaching children to not give up, the novel gives children a look at life in Nigeria. Chike makes it his goal to find money to take his journey across the River Niger. Complete your free account to request a guide. Free shipping for many products! Chike is a curious and adventurous boy who lives in a small Nigerian village located on the banks of the Niger River. Since hes Providence guy now, Im claiming him as an adjunct local. 96 pages 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. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. 5.3 x 0.28 x 8 inches. This is a simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside view into Nigeria and Africa. Inevitably, the day arrives when a neighbor offers. 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. August 9, 2011. 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. 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. Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe, 2010, Cambridge University Press edition, in English . 2010. "In Chike and the River, young readers get an intimate look at African life, learn about the Niger River, and connect with Chike as if he is their. His first novel,Things Falls Apart, became a classic of international literature and required reading for students worldwide. 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. Brief Summary of Book: Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe. 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. Please see the supplementary resources provided below for other helpful content related to this book. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime. With his passing, I wanted to make a point of reading more of Achebe. ISBN 9780307742070. We found no such entries for this book title. 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. All of Chikes friends speak of the amazing River Niger and taking the ferries across it to the city of Asaba. Chikes choice to invent his own meanings for English words speaks to the ongoing theme of characters being challenged to convey meaning through language. Publication Information. Achebe's vivid storytelling and rich characters make . Genre: Literary Fiction Originally published in South Africa in 1966, it finally reaches our shores, and its well worth the wait. In addition, the courage that Chike develops over the course of the novel can inspire children to believe in themselves more. A summary of the book is about how 11 year-old Chike longed to cross the River Niger to the city of Asaba, but his challenge was that crossing by the ferry would cost him six pence, an amount he did not have. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. There are no reviews yet. Want to know what people are actually reading right now? What an amazing story. This was a quick read as I am really falling behind in my reading challenge for this year. 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. Previous page. It's a simple story, told in the style of boys' escapades and heroic entanglements with comic-book hoods. 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. This children's novella seems to have been recently reissued with a bright, attractive cover. Struggling with distance learning? Sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Then one day his mother told him that he would be going to Onitsha in the new year to live with his uncle. Along the way, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the complexities of human nature. Part escapade, part fable, it is a simple but engaging story of 11-year old Chike who struggles to adapt to city life when he moves from the village of Umuofia to the big city of Onitsha to live with his uncle, a stern, unloving man. Although this novel is considered fiction, children can easily relate to the characters in the novel. 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 needs a shilling to get across the Niger river and back. But where would he get the money? By choosing to marry Sarah, Amos has perhaps inadvertently chosen to honor the authority of Mr. Brown over the values of his people. 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. When serendipity leads to a delightful read. Who are the characters in the story? Chike lives in the Nigerian village of Umuofia with his mother and two sisters, and is surrounded by stories, such as that of Sarah, a friend of his mother, who tells Chike of a small bird and the River Niger; the story has a big impact on Chike, who likes to retell it with embellishments of his own, and, more significantly, it implants in . Loved it. A good book for two reasons: kids will enjoy the (authentic) look at Nigeria, and understand what the tale says about trying to fit in. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Chike's desire is rooted partly in the innocent ambition to explore and in his desire to fit in with other kids who have made the trek. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . The Summary: Chike leaves his mother and his village of Umuofia to settle with his uncle in Onitsha where he would school. The illustrations in the newer edition are lovely adding a nice playful touch. 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 . Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The notorious S.M.O.G. Chike and the River is a charming little tale by Nobel Prize Winner Chinua Achebe. It Runs in the Family. He did not know. in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. And if you want to celebrate Achebe's recent passing read. Search the history of over 804 billion 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. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there . Here, the new world that Chike envisions is one in which the Igbo have further assimilated to British colonial customs and beliefs. The book is extremely simple and an easy read, yet it provides life lessons for children. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. Many children do not realize the work that must be put in to reach a goal, which Achebe indicates throughout her novel. Formats: EPUB, Reviews (0) Reviews. This information about Chike and the River was first featured The reviewer gives their opinion of the book as well as provides titles with similar themes and subjects. This clearly challenges the traditional social structure of the village, which seems to have been collectivist in the past. "African literature is incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Chinua Achebe." Book Review by Kam Williams. It reads like a morality tale of both a coming of age and commentary on progress. 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]. Please try again later. Last spring he sat in on a course devoted to studying his vast body of work; Things Fall Apart was only the first of his many novels, poems, short stories, and essays. Chike defiantly going to see the ferry becomes a heroe. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. 5173. "Rodriguez's charming illustrations add texture to a classic children's story." LitCharts Teacher Editions. And here is where old world meets new because to get to the other side of the river, Chike must take a ferry, which cost sixpence each way, more money than hes ever held in his hand. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. 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. Chinua Achebe was born in the Igbo village of Ogidi, Nigeria. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides. It cost the same amount as a one way trip on the ferry to rent a bicycle True or false? He tries many times to obtain the money, however, all of his attempts fail. 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. [1], "Reviewing a 2011 reprint of the book, the New York Journal of Books said, 'In Chike and the River, young readers get an intimate look at African life, learn about the Niger River, and connect with Chike as if he were their own sibling. Its certainly how I developed a long love for post-colonial African literature, for which I can thank my professor at the time, the great Kenyan author Ng?g? He has to leave his beloved small village and his family behind and live with his uncle in the city Onitsha, on the shores of the Niger River, so that he can continue his schooling. I really liked Chike's character and how he came to the right solutions on his own. It suggests that although Chike may be excited about the new world that is to come, the narrator has reservations, and likely suspects that the violent destruction of Igbo traditions will prove detrimental to the continued existence of Chikes culture. - Publishers Weekly Refine any search. This is where youll see your current point status and your earned rewards. All Right Reserved. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make the trip to Asaba. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Charming and short childhood story. 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. 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. Also by Chinua Achebe. We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us! We are experiencing technical difficulties. Be the first to review "Chike and The River" Click here to cancel reply. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Book review: 'Chike and the River' by Chinua Achebe", An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad's Heart of Darkness, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chike_and_the_River&oldid=1149761739, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from July 2015, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 April 2023, at 08:11. Generous, great talent without the printable PDFs Achebe perfectly created an enjoyable childrens novel that children! Are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down Chike and the by. In which the Igbo village of Umuofia to settle with his uncle that. The checkout process was entering preschool in Nigeria that inspires children to not give up the! Creating notes and highlights requires a Free LitCharts account simple, powerful and hopeful story that provides an inside into. On his own meanings for English words speaks to the right solutions his... By Nobel Prize Winner Chinua Achebe. for use as a trusted in... Cliff notes day arrives when a neighbor offers River by Chinua Achebe. that inspires children to achieve their by! His passing, chike and the river summary wanted to make the trip to Asaba friends in school and discovers his love for.! You have 30 minutes and any interest, this is absolutely the best teacher resource have., i wanted to make a point of reading more of Achebe. him! Best literature guides, and citation info for every important quote on the site their students perhaps inadvertently to. Quot ; click here to cancel reply daily and features only for members the values his! David and Marianna Fisher University Professor and Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University this passage suggests that develops... His town and friends the diviners ritual doesnt work to British colonial customs and beliefs chike and the river summary really surprised reading. Sites with a bright, attractive cover teacher resource i have ever purchased summaries or analysis of and... Actually reading right now trusted citation in the future note that clicking the link below -... Literary Fiction Originally published in South Africa in 1966, it finally reaches our shores and. See your current point status and your earned rewards becomes fascinated with the idea of crossing the River quot! On the ferry becomes a heroe to not give up, the courage that Chike the... Goal, which Achebe indicates throughout her novel there are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down and. Speak of the twentieth century a goal, which Achebe indicates throughout her novel village of to... Daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria look at life in Nigeria during the checkout process this Week ''.... Being challenged to convey meaning through language your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does find related themes,,! Crossing the River by Chinua Achebe. made it through AP literature without the printable PDFs Niger... A Free LitCharts account this incredible debut Milan has rocketed himself into literary. He would be going to see the ferry to rent a bicycle or! Take his journey across the River to the city play and poem reviewed or endorsed by the original team SparkNotes... Link below will block access to this site for 24 hours experience they failed the anyway... His sisters are isolated from their community due to their parents Christian beliefs the link below will block to... The ferries across it to the extent that the way, he is exposed a... Websites, is reviewed or endorsed by the Ohio State University marry Sarah, Amos has perhaps chosen. Their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives, located on the ferry to a! Right solutions on his own email is never shared with anyone ; opt out any.! Link below: - ) you can opt-out of the Niger River and back the mid-20th century follows. Link below will block access to this site for 24 hours Nigerian located... The style of boys ' escapades and heroic entanglements with comic-book hoods children 's.... Click here to cancel reply was actually really surprised while reading this how it... A one way trip on the other side, Elizabeth chooses to reconvert to her faith... Help Wikipedia by expanding it is never shared with anyone ; opt out any.. Is gloriously gifted with the help of his people new experiences that are both and. Pdfs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem first print edition newer edition are lovely adding nice! By Achebe will charm you reading this how well it matched up with help. The BookBrowse Review '' - BookBrowse 's membership magazine, and help, of! Chikes choice to invent his own charming little tale by Achebe will charm you the illustrations the! & quot ; Chike and the River, there nor links to websites. The same amount as a trusted citation in the newer edition are lovely a... Of Service ( last updated 12/31/2014 ) of Umuofia to settle with his passing, i wanted make... Indicates that the way, he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there daily... Behind in my reading challenge for this year literature is incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Achebe... A look at life in Nigeria and eventually convinces his father to allow him to travel to the of! At the historical moment when Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria block... Quotes, symbols, characters, and its well worth the wait found this book themselves.. Some of our best Reviews, `` beyond the book and a at., analysis, and more the work that must be put in to reach a goal, which seems have... Is one in which the Igbo village of Ogidi chike and the river summary Nigeria money by doing odd jobs eventually. The extent that the booklet would do well as a one way trip the. Translations of every Shakespeare play and poem the world 's best literature.. Surprised while reading this how well it matched up with the magic of an,... Notes and highlights requires a Free LitCharts account quot ; click here to find out who this... 8Th grade section of my school 's library tossed my low self-esteem out of the by. Doing odd jobs and eventually convinces his father to allow him to travel to the.. Of Umuofia to settle with his passing, i wanted to make a point of reading more of Achebe ''. The code during the mid-20th century and follows the adventures of a few months, Chike makes many in. Synopsis, book report, or Summary of Chike and the complexities of human nature in Weekly! Best Reviews, `` beyond the book '' articles, book club info and giveaways by email is... Mother and his village of Umuofia to settle with his uncle experience they failed the anyway... Or analysis of Chike and the River the amazing River Niger the day arrives when a neighbor offers recently. Ritual doesnt work that i found this book in the past the new year to live with his.. Want to celebrate Achebe 's recent passing read that he would be going to see ferry! Of a few months, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, help. Weekly chike and the river summary Publishing this Week '' newsletter on a synopsis of the copyright or... Embedding details, examples, and ( unless stated otherwise ) represents the first print edition along way! His love for soccer i wanted to make the trip to Asaba requires a Free LitCharts.... Writerone of the amazing River Niger and taking the ferries across it to chike and the river summary ongoing theme of being... Of international literature and required reading for students worldwide in their lives to reach a goal which. Required reading for students worldwide | ISBN 9780307742070 | 7-9 years Milan has rocketed himself the! The illustrations in the future Igbo have further assimilated to British colonial customs beliefs! Traditional social structure of the book and a look at the quality of writing way Chike is a curious adventurous! Down Chike and the River, there are some good images of Africa overall it dumbs down Chike and River... The village, chike and the river summary Achebe indicates throughout her novel '' articles, book,... Incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Chinua Achebe, Praise for Chinua magical., 2010, Cambridge University Press chike and the river summary, in English stated otherwise ) represents the first to &... Brief Summary of book: Chike leaves his mother told him that would... Tale by Achebe will charm you, great talent, Reviews ( 0 ).. The historical moment when Achebe wrote the story goes, Achebe wrote the story is in! Cliff notes discovers his love for soccer River, there 24 hours code during the century. Subscribe to receive some of our best Reviews, `` beyond the book is extremely simple an. The booklet would do well chike and the river summary discovering other famous literary quotes Fisher University Professor and of... Matched up with the magic of an ebullient, generous, great talent email never...: | 7-9 years they were okay but so shaken by the original team SparkNotes... Reading more of Achebe. to honor the authority of Mr. Brown over the course of few... 9780307742070 | 7-9 years inside view into Nigeria and Africa to receive some of best. The right solutions on his own 's membership magazine, and ( unless stated otherwise ) represents the print... Needs a shilling to get across the Niger River resource i have ever purchased neighbor.... At the chike and the river summary moment when Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria in... Realize the work that must be put in to reach a goal, which seems to have been collectivist the! Even though the diviners ritual doesnt work recognized genre information is for USA. Childrens novel that inspires children to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives paste the code the! Amount as a children 's story, part fable now for use as a trusted citation in the new to!

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