Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Okonkwo is to be exiled for seven years. That night, Okonkwo packs up his most valuable belongings. His yams are transported to Obierika's barn. Before dawn, Okonkwo and his whole family set out for Mbanta, the home of Okonkwo's mother. As day brokes, men come and destroy Okonkwo's home. They kill his animals and set fire to the buildings. They bear no malice to Okonkwo, but the laws of the Igbo must be obeyed.