* Irony and critique of colonialism: The District Commissioner's casual comment about writing a book "on the Ibo" reveals his profound ignorance and detachment. He sees the Ibo people as a subject of anthropological study, not as human beings with their own rich history, culture, and values. This exposes the inherent arrogance and lack of understanding that fueled colonialism.
* Highlighting the enduring impact of colonialism: The book's conclusion underlines the idea that colonialism, even in its waning days, continues to shape and misrepresent the narrative of Africa. The District Commissioner's perspective, which assumes a dominant position to write the story of the Ibo people, represents the enduring colonial gaze and its lasting influence on how Africa is understood.
* Unveiling the complex reality of the colonized: The juxtaposition of the District Commissioner's naive perspective with the unfolding tragedy of the Ibo community serves as a powerful critique of the colonial narrative. It emphasizes the profound human cost of colonialism and the enduring impact on the lives and communities of those colonized.
* Ambiguous ending and lingering questions: The book's ending is open to interpretation. It doesn't offer a clear-cut resolution, but rather invites the reader to contemplate the complex aftermath of colonialism and the long-lasting impact of cultural displacement. It forces us to question who gets to tell the story of Africa, and how that story is constructed.
In essence, the District Commissioner's musings about his book serve as a powerful metaphor for the enduring legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for self-determination and representation. It underscores the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives and challenging dominant narratives.