Antihills of Savannah

Author: Chinua Achebe

Chris, Ikem, and Beatrice are like-minded friends working under the military regime of His Excellency, the Sandhurst-educated President of Kangan. In the pressurized atmosphere of oppression and intimidation, they are simply trying to live and love – and remain friends. But in a world where each day brings a new betrayal, hope is hard to cling on to. Anthills of the Savannah (1987), Achebe’s candid vision of contemporary African politics, is a powerful fusion of angry voices. It continues the journey that Achebe began with his earlier novels, tracing the history of modern Africa through colonialism and beyond, and is a work ultimately filled with hope.

“In a powerful fusion of myth, legend and modern styles Achebe has written a book which is wise, exciting and essential, a powerful antidote to the cynical commentators from ‘overseas’ who see nothing ever new out of Africa.”    The Financial Times.

“Violence takes over a drama of love, friendship, and hope under threat. This is present-day Africa revealed in a stunning narrative of lyricism and natural speech. Beautiful, powerful and angry …” The Irish Times.

“Pessimism and cynicism contend for mastery, and hope, almost incredibly, walks off with the prize.”  Bernard Levin, The Sunday Times.

” … the quality of the writing is charged with informedness, and awareness of high things and high thoughts. This is an outstanding novel by Africa’s most accomplished writer. Anthills calls for a celebration.”   Nuruddin Farah, West Africa.

“Anyone ruling or in danger of ruling an African state should read this book. So should the rest of us. It brings humanity to a world in which we feared it did not exist.”  Richard Dowden, The Independent.