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ka_cam's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A fast fun short sci fi novella- I thought it had a balanced mix of familiar tropes/themes and interesting twists. Would read another installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
Minor: War
keeganrb's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
aishallnot's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
I think this book was an interesting read, however I wish I had read this as a physical or ebook bc one thing ive realized this year is that I can't do audiobooks with novellas unless I have the book in front of me ðŸ˜
The world/premise of the book was really nice. I kinda wish we had more world building and learn more about the other characters, but again this book moves quickly you gotta catch everything that's going on. Besides Black Panther, im somewhat new to afrofuturism and i really just love that aspect within media. I'm not much of a sci-fi girlie but i think I will be if consume media that has the Black diaspora in their own futuristic world.
With that being said, I think I'm going to continue the series
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Xenophobia
emilywasbored's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
nicola4e's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Death, and Violence
relearning2read's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I knew this novella had won many awards and so I guess I was expecting more from it. It was fine. The ending felt rushed and too many things got resolved by her just knowing what to do and then people agreeing, rather than the resolution really feeling earned
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Mass/school shootings, and Violence
Moderate: Blood
jessthanthree's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, War, and Injury/Injury detail
keegan_leech's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Binti is really dang good. Especially because the book flies by so quickly (I listened to an audiobook version but I get the feeling the physical novella would also be a quick read) I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest.
It's an excellent showcase of what makes Okorafor's writing unique and encompasses far more than its length would suggest. Despite all that, it's a very quiet, straightforward book and not as complex as a novel like Who Fears Death (perhaps my favourite of Okorafor's work). This is a strength—there's absolutely no fluff or filler—but if you're looking for a novel to luxuriate in and take your time with, just be warned that this isn't it. It's a very efficient sort of storytelling.
Thematically, I found it wonderful to see science-fiction about migration, culture shock, colonialism, and conflict that treats all of these themes with appropriate seriousness without being pessimistic or miserable. Like the best sci-fi, Binti presents a situation which reflects real-world conflicts and histories with complexity and depth. Democratic solutions don't come off as naïve everyone-sang-kumbaya moments, but as difficult and important moments which require empathy and critical thought. Similarly, none of the conflicts in the story are between a species of "evil" aliens and plucky human enemies, or some variation on the theme.
Binti isn't unique in any individual aspects, but something about it feels fresh, exciting, and different. I hope to read many more books which have that same feeling to them, and once again I'd recommend it to everyone who gets the chance to try it.
It's an excellent showcase of what makes Okorafor's writing unique and encompasses far more than its length would suggest. Despite all that, it's a very quiet, straightforward book and not as complex as a novel like Who Fears Death (perhaps my favourite of Okorafor's work). This is a strength—there's absolutely no fluff or filler—but if you're looking for a novel to luxuriate in and take your time with, just be warned that this isn't it. It's a very efficient sort of storytelling.
Thematically, I found it wonderful to see science-fiction about migration, culture shock, colonialism, and conflict that treats all of these themes with appropriate seriousness without being pessimistic or miserable. Like the best sci-fi, Binti presents a situation which reflects real-world conflicts and histories with complexity and depth. Democratic solutions don't come off as naïve everyone-sang-kumbaya moments, but as difficult and important moments which require empathy and critical thought. Similarly, none of the conflicts in the story are between a species of "evil" aliens and plucky human enemies, or some variation on the theme.
Binti isn't unique in any individual aspects, but something about it feels fresh, exciting, and different. I hope to read many more books which have that same feeling to them, and once again I'd recommend it to everyone who gets the chance to try it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Blood, Death, Violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: War and Racism
ofavalley's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide and Xenophobia
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This is the first book I’ve read by Nnedi Okorafor, and I will definitely be reading many more! This short novella packs in so much worldbuilding and plot and character work without ever feeling confusing or overwhelming. I am beyond impressed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia