Chinedu Achebe’s latest novel, *When It All Falls Down*, presents a complex exploration of personal and societal struggles through the lives of Obi and Nkechi Ifeanyi, a Nigerian-American couple living in Houston. As a sequel to *The Miseducation of Obi Ifeanyi*, this novel carves its own narrative path, focusing on themes such as marriage, identity, race, and the immigrant experience, set against the backdrop of significant global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Achebe ambitiously tackles a wide range of issues, including the pressure of parental expectations, challenges in marriage, race relations, and the immigrant struggle to maintain cultural heritage while assimilating into a new society. The novel also engages in meaningful discussions about the significance of preserving cultural identity, particularly through giving children native names, a topic that resonates with many immigrant families.
However, the novel’s tendency to deliver these themes through dense, lecture-like dialogue weakens the emotional depth and character development. The dialogue often feels forced, making parts of the story feel like essays rather than natural conversations. While the exploration of important issues such as race and identity is commendable, the execution leaves something to be desired in terms of narrative fluidity.
Where *When It All Falls Down* excels is in its portrayal of marriage and relationships, specifically the struggle to maintain a marriage under the strain of external and internal pressures. Achebe provides an honest and raw depiction of couples therapy, showing the frustration that arises when one partner is more invested in the process than the other. This aspect of the novel will resonate with many readers who have experienced similar challenges in their own relationships.
Another bold theme Achebe addresses is self-pleasure within marriage, a topic rarely discussed in mainstream literature. By incorporating this, Achebe challenges traditional notions of intimacy and personal growth within long-term relationships, sparking important conversations about autonomy and satisfaction.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the Ifeanyi family’s life is a mirror for the reader, capturing the anxiety, uncertainty, and societal tensions that the pandemic brought to the forefront. Achebe poignantly touches on how the healthcare crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, caused many to lose loved ones to non-COVID-related health issues, making this reflection both timely and relatable.
Despite its insightful themes, the novel’s overreliance on heavy dialogue detracts from its overall impact. While Achebe brings important social, cultural, and political issues to the table, the execution at times lacks the nuance and emotional engagement necessary to make these topics feel fully integrated into the characters’ lives.
In summary, *When It All Falls Down* offers thought-provoking discussions on race, marriage, identity, and societal struggles, but its narrative potential is hampered by its dense, lecture-like dialogue. For readers interested in complex social themes, the novel provides valuable insights, though it may not fully satisfy those looking for a more dynamic, emotionally charged story.
