Chinua Achebe, the legendary author of Things Fall Apart, left the world one final masterpiece before his passing—There Was a Country: A Personal History of Biafra. More than just a memoir, this book is a gripping firsthand account of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War. Through Achebe’s piercing intellect and emotional storytelling, readers are taken deep into the heart of one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts.
But why should you read this book? Because it is not just history—it is a warning, a lament, and a call for justice that remains painfully relevant today.
A Firsthand Account of a Tragic War.
Unlike dry historical textbooks, There Was a Country immerses readers in the lived experiences of the Biafran people. Achebe, an Igbo intellectual and supporter of Biafra’s short-lived independence, recounts:
The political tensions following Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
The 1966 anti-Igbo pogroms that led to mass killings.
The declaration of Biafra’s secession and the brutal federal siege that followed.
The famine that claimed over a million lives, many of them children.
Achebe’s narrative blends personal memories with historical analysis, making the tragedy feel immediate and real.
The Role of Writers and Intellectuals in Times of Crisis.
Achebe reflects on the moral responsibility of African intellectuals during the war. He discusses:
His friendships with figures like poet Christopher Okigbo (who died fighting for Biafra) and Wole Soyinka (who was imprisoned for opposing the war).
How literature and propaganda shaped international perceptions of the conflict.
The failure of Nigeria’s elite to prevent catastrophe.
This book forces readers to ask: What is the duty of artists and thinkers when their nation collapses?
A Scathing Critique of Postcolonial Nigeria
Achebe does not shy away from condemning Nigeria’s leadership failures:
The legacy of British colonialism and its divide-and-rule tactics.
The greed and corruption of politicians and military rulers.
The persistent ethnic divisions that still threaten Nigeria’s unity today.
His insights are prophetic—many of the issues he identified remain unresolved over 50 years later.
A Human Story of Suffering and Resilience
Beyond politics, Achebe gives voice to ordinary people:
The despair of parents watching their children starve.
The courage of doctors and aid workers fighting to save lives.
The resilience of a people who refused to be erased.
His writing is both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us that history is not just about battles and treaties—it’s about human lives.
Whether you’re interested in African history, political ethics, or simply powerful storytelling, There Was a Country is essential reading. It challenges, educates, and moves readers in ways few books can.
