Paperback. This romance novel, based in Africa, is rich with tribal culture. It is a response to the famous novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The stalwart, courageous Ekpe finds himself passionately in love with the charming, beautiful Ebitimi, but cannot afford the bride price. This dilemma is only one of many situations in the land. Ekpe and several other young, spiritual entrepreneurs light the way to better things by carrying the torch of faith in God, integrity, and courage. This channels God's love and hope to despairing hearts. Ekpe's village and other places begin to be vitalized. Christian revival prevails, and sound business principles bring financial prosperity. Eventually, even Ebitimi's father comes through; he drastically reduces the bride price and God sends in the remainder. The triumphant marriage that follows is indicative of better things to come. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Things Come Together (Paperback)
Publisher: Bibletheme Publications
Publication Date: 2020
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0971723559
ISBN 13: 9780971723559
Binding: Paperback
Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Things Come Together follows the life of Ekpe, born under ominous circumstances in the village of Eniong Effiom. His father dies tragically the night of his birth, leaving him to grow up under the care of his widowed mother and uncle. From an early age, Ekpe begins to question the power of the traditional gods and the emptiness of idol worship. His doubts lead him toward Christianity, where he encounters a new way of life centered on faith, love, and truth.

As he matures, Ekpe’s journey takes him through conversion, discipleship, and spiritual trials. Alongside his friend Okonkwo (notably sharing the same name as Achebe’s tragic hero), Ekpe embraces the gospel, wrestling with cultural conflicts, distorted teachings, and the lure of syncretism. Unlike Achebe’s Okonkwo, who collapses under the weight of cultural disintegration and ends in despair, Ekpe embodies the hope of renewal. He chooses faith over fear, truth over corruption, and love over tribal divisions.

The novel highlights corruption, poverty, and societal disunity as Nigeria’s greatest challenges. Yet through Christian transformation, it offers a vision of reconciliation—where faith builds integrity, love dissolves tribal enmity, and hope sustains progress. Ekpe’s steadfastness leads to personal victory in his faith and to the broader possibility of healing for his society.

Contrast with Achebe’s Things Fall Apart

Achebe’s Narrative: Okonkwo’s story is one of collapse. His resistance to change and fear of weakness drive him into violence, alienation, and ultimately suicide—symbolizing a world that “falls apart” under colonial intrusion and cultural fracture.
Grabill’s Narrative: In contrast, Ekpe’s story culminates in restoration and triumph. Instead of despair, his struggles tether into hope and resolution. Where Achebe’s protagonist embodies defeat, Ekpe becomes a torchbearer—his faith shining as a source of renewal for both himself and his people.

Tone and Purpose

Your book serves not as a direct reply to Achebe, but as a counterpoint: where Achebe presents tragedy, you present the possibility of redemption and victory. It is a story of cultural wrestling, but instead of ending in disintegration, it shows how things can indeed “come together” when faith and truth take root.

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The Nile Group Pty Ltd
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