"Not even the oldest man in Umuofia had ever heard such a strange and fearful sound, and it was never to be heard again. It seemed as if the very soul of the tribe wept for a great evil that was coming - it's own death."
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I think I love this book even more the reread (#5?), if possible. Achebe strongly established a beautiful culture of rituals, traditions, self-governance, religion, and society. He represented a highly complex society.

Okonkwo showing up at the cave despite his harsh exterior, and that it was his fourth trip, was an excellent display of the complexity of human nature. The use of proverbs to convey lessons and emotions also established the reader in the setting and culture. The stories being told as lessons and warnings grounded us in the depth of history and mysticism.

I loved the use of sounds and fairly simple prose. Removing Okonkwo from his home and returning to it after the colonists established themselves was an excellent way to juxtapose the changes their society had undergone. In addition, the way Achebe bracketed the killing of Ikemefuna and murder of a convert, both by machete and by Enzemia convincing Okonkwo to eat again was truly inspired.

I feel like every time I read this novel I see a new layer to it, and I'm even more astounded by Achebe's brilliance. This is the first time I realized it was the first in a trilogy, so I'm beyond excited to continue this excellent story.