I really liked the message of this book; to me it was an attack on a certain notion of masculinity that is ubiquitous in most societies - one of violence, recklessness and ultimately misery for others. However one problem with this story was that the ending completely contradicted the whole personality of Okonkowo, he was built up as someone who would under no circumstances take his own life, and he had killed someone before without much remorse so I don't understand why he was so bothered about the other one. Perhaps, now that I think about it, it isn't remorse but sadness that he knows his tribe is going to be assimilated and won't put up a fight, but I still don't think he would have taken his own life. Just because he will no longer be a respected person in his tribe doesn't mean he can't still acquire fame and power. I imagine a real Okonkwo fleeing and finding another place to live. But then that wouldn't have had the same impact, because ultimately if the writer is going to attack masculinity then he needs Okonkwo to lose. I don't know, it's tricky. I like the message but feel it lacks realism which ultimately dilutes the message somewhat.

Still a great read though and it will probably inspire (and I assume already has) other great works :)