Ratings58
Average rating3.8
An award-winning literary author presents her first foray into supernatural fantasy with a novel of post-apocalyptic Africa.
In a far future, post-nuclear-holocaust Africa, genocide plagues one region. The aggressors, the Nuru, have decided to follow the Great Book and exterminate the Okeke. But when the only surviving member of a slain Okeke village is brutally raped, she manages to escape, wandering farther into the desert. She gives birth to a baby girl with hair and skin the color of sand and instinctively knows that her daughter is different. She names her daughter Onyesonwu, which means "Who Fears Death?" in an ancient African tongue.
Reared under the tutelage of a mysterious and traditional shaman, Onyesonwu discovers her magical destiny – to end the genocide of her people. The journey to fulfill her destiny will force her to grapple with nature, tradition, history, true love, the spiritual mysteries of her culture – and eventually death itself.
Featured Series
1 primary book2 released booksWho Fears Death is a 2-book series with 1 primary work first released in 2010 with contributions by Nnedi Okorafor.
Reviews with the most likes.
I've only ever read Okorafor's short fiction, so this was a great experience. I don't think I've ever read a book that explored feminism in an East African society, let alone a post-apocalyptic East African society. The nuanced take on women in these cultures is smart, refreshing, and well-worth the read. At times, I felt the pacing was a bit quick for me (maybe I'm just super into her short fiction and wanted something slower-paced), but it was an impressive story nonetheless. If you like a good mix of sci-fi and fantasy, complex and complicated characeters, and beautiful prose, give this one a try.
A good book, that was well written. It however didn't click with me which is why it only got three stars.
Full review at: http://sffbookreview.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/nnedi-okorafor-who-fears-death/
A wonderful and unique book that totally took me by surprise and left me happy, sad and wanting more, all at the same time.
Featured Prompt
51 booksFantasy spans the spectrum from lighthearted fun to kick-you-in-the-teeth realism. When done right dark fantasy explores themes that are often taboo or emotional. Exploring these dark themes in fan...