[Sender’s Address]
No. 14, Adewale Street,
Benin City, Edo State.
23rd September, 2025.
Dear Funke,
It is always a delight to write to you. How are you and your family doing? I trust that school is going well. I am eager to share with you the details of a very interesting book I just finished reading. I know you love good stories, so I am sure you will enjoy hearing about it.
The book is titled Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I had always heard people praise this novel, but I never had the chance to read it until last month when our Literature teacher included it in our reading list. From the first chapter to the last, I was completely absorbed.
The story is set in a traditional Igbo society before and during the arrival of European colonialists. The main character, Okonkwo, is a respected man known for his strength, bravery, and determination to succeed. However, his flaws—especially his pride and fear of being seen as weak—lead to his downfall. The author skillfully presents him as a man who struggles between tradition and change.
What fascinated me most about the book was its rich description of African culture. Achebe carefully portrays the Igbo people’s customs, festivals, proverbs, and values. For instance, I learned about the New Yam Festival, marriage rites, and the importance of kinship ties. The author used proverbs generously, making the story both educative and entertaining.
The most emotional part of the book for me was when the European missionaries and colonial government came into the community. Their arrival brought division, as some villagers accepted the new religion and ways of life while others resisted. Okonkwo, who could not adapt, tragically ended his own life. This ending left me thinking deeply about how change, if not handled wisely, can destroy even the strongest people.
Reading this book taught me several lessons. First, I understood that pride can lead to destruction, no matter how powerful one is. Secondly, I realized the importance of tolerance—both for cultural traditions and for new ideas. Lastly, the book showed me that literature is not only about entertainment but also a tool for preserving history and shaping values.
Funke, I strongly recommend that you read this novel. I am certain you will love Achebe’s style of writing, and it will also help you in Literature studies. If you are interested, I can lend you my copy during the next holiday.
Please write back soon and tell me about any book you have read recently. Until then, extend my warm regards to your parents and siblings.
Yours ever,
Tunde
What Examiners Want to See
- Proper informal format – address, date, greeting, and closing.
- Clear explanation of the book – title, author, setting, main character, themes.
- Personal reflection – what the writer enjoyed and lessons learnt.
- Balanced structure – introduction, description of story, conclusion with advice to the friend.
- 450+ words – shows depth of thought and maturity.
Tips for Students
- Always mention the title and author when writing about a book.
- Summarize the plot briefly; don’t retell everything, just key highlights.
- Show your personal feelings about the book, not just the story.
- Relate the lessons to life—it proves you understood what you read.
- Keep the tone friendly since it is a letter to a friend.