A Man of the People Summary
Chinua Achebe

A Man of the People Summary

A Man of the People is a novel about Nigeria's halting first steps to form a post-colonial nation, told by Odili Samalu, a teacher turned politician, who takes on his former teacher, a now-corrupt member of the cabinet.

Odili Samalu needs to tell the story of how he leaves the teaching profession in a small village school and enters partisan politics as the opponent of powerful man, once his revered teacher. Odili resents having to stand in a reception line for Chief Nanga, with whom he has grown disillusioned since he called for the head of the Minister of Finance and denounced Western-influenced intellectuals. At university, Odili had hoped for a successful career, which his father, a wealthy and hated retired politician, identifies with government office. Odili and the old polygamist are currently observing a truce in their stormy relationship.

Nanga recognizes Odili at the reception and offers to help... View more of the A Man of the People Summary