When technological advancement and tradition collide.
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
Released: November 2021
Genre: Africanfuturism, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Pages: 214
Audiobook Length: 7 hours (approx.)
Narrator: Délé Ogundiran
Awards/Acclaim
Amazon Editor's Pick, Best in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Book Review
This was a nice book. The "punch" of the book is from its commentary on contemporary issues. It isn't exactly action-packed. But Nnedi Okorafor uses her penetrative storytelling to beautifully remark on society, making the book a very satisfying read.
The main character, AO, is highly technologically modified. She is practically equal parts machine and human. Those around her react with superstition and malice.
I first thought this was the author bringing attention to parts of African culture that still hold old views on disability and the stigma that surrounds it. However, even many in western societies are terrified of those who do not fit a normative mold.
It's a book that gets your mind working. Aspects of Nnedi Okorafor's speculative future don't seem that far away. It brings about questions of how humans collectively will react to the changes to come. How continents, countries, and communities will shape and define the eventuality of great technological advancements.
Sometimes we need to see a concept through a different lens to better see the reality of our own situation. For all intents and purposes, we live in the future. We're gliding through our lives with technology always in hand or on our wrists. Our vehicles and fridges have computers. Virtual assistants are always listening until a wake word evokes a response.
Yet, our culture is starkly divided between those adapting to our rapid technological and cultural shifts and those who attack marginalized communities and desperately wish to remain in the past.
Okay, I got a little off on a tirade. Let me get back to what I was saying.
Nnedi's world-building is really well-developed. She takes a hard look at corporatism, as all good futurists should. And, the relationship between the two main characters is pleasing.
My only complaint is similar to what I have seen from other reviewers. This book could have been 100 pages less or 300 pages more. Okorafor goes into great detail informing the reader of the politics of Nigeria, the country's industrial power, and local culture. I would have enjoyed a fistful of chapters more with action and adventure.
Plot
The main character AO was born Anwuli Okwudili. She prefers to be called by the initials of her name, but it also stands for Artificial Organism. It is a fitting moniker.
AO was born without a fully functioning body due to birth defects and later in life experienced more loss of her flesh due to a car accident.
Her body is a mixture of visible human and machine.
The world views her as a witch or cursed, but AO cherishes her body and modifications.
AO has long lived under the glare of her community's eyes, but a seemingly routine visit to the market brings devastation she wasn't expecting.
On the run as a fugitive, she meets a Fulani nomad herdsman named Dangote Nuhu Adamu (DNA) and the race against time across the deserts of Northern Nigeria begins.
This is a fast-paced journey of tribe, destiny, body, and the wonderland of technology.
Content Warning:
Adult Themes
Language
About the Author
Dr. Nnedi Okorafor holds a Ph.D. in literature.
She is a first-generation American born to Nigerian immigrant parents.
Okorafor spent her youth in both countries. Her multicultural upbringing and background have greatly influenced her work.
She is a prolific author with a number of novels, short stories, and comics to her credit, including the Binti trilogy and the Akata series. She has been recognized for her work with numerous honors, including the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards.
Check out the below article to learn more about Nnedi Okorafor, her own experience with disability, and how it has shaped her writing.
Verdict
Score: 8/10
Noor is an imaginative science fiction novel with a beautiful mix of mysticism, hard truths, and adventure.
Pick it up at your library, local bookstore, or favorite online retailer.
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