No Longer At Ease by Chinua Achebe

 "No Longer at Ease" is a novel by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe that tells the story of Obi Okonkwo, a young man from the village of Anioma who is educated in England and returns to Nigeria as a member of the country's elite. The novel is set in the post-colonial era, during which Nigeria is transitioning from British rule to independence.

One of the central themes of the novel is the conflict between traditional African culture and modern Western culture. Obi is torn between his desire to succeed in the Western-influenced society of post-colonial Nigeria and his loyalty to his cultural roots. This conflict is exemplified in Obi's relationships with his fiancée, Clara, and his grandmother, who represent these two conflicting cultural forces.

Obi's relationship with Clara is strained by their cultural differences. Clara is a modern, educated woman who is more comfortable in the Western world and encourages Obi to embrace Western values and goals. On the other hand, Obi's grandmother is a traditional woman who values the customs and traditions of their culture and urges Obi to adhere to them.

The conflict between these two cultural influences ultimately leads to Obi's downfall. He is unable to reconcile his desire for success in the modern world with his loyalty to his cultural roots, and this internal conflict causes him to make poor decisions and ultimately leads to his disgrace and ruin.

Overall, "No Longer at Ease" is a poignant exploration of the difficulties faced by individuals caught between two worlds. It is a powerful commentary on the effects of colonialism and the challenges of navigating the complexities of post-colonial society.