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rebeccajost's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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
4.0
A good introduction to sci-fi, but I do feel that the book’s brevity is hindering the story somewhat as the scenes missing would’ve been fun to read and would’ve helped me get invested in the characters. This is likely a conscious choice to not distract from the message of the book, but I do wish there was more of the story in this book.
4 stars despite this because I did thoroughly enjoy the story, yet wish there was more of it.
4 stars despite this because I did thoroughly enjoy the story, yet wish there was more of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Death
Minor: Racism and War
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
yogomagpie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Less than 100 pages but it drew me in so deeply. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Bravo.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Gore, Death, and Genocide
Moderate: Racism
Minor: War
frmvivian's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
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
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
In 'Binti' by Nnedi Okorafor, we follow Binti as she sets out for Oomza University and uncovers a plot aboard her spaceship.
Binti is the first of her people to be accepted at the galactic Oomza University. Heading out from Earth, she anticipates what she will find at the university. But then disaster strikes and Binti is forced to negotiate for an alien race that Oomza University stole from in the past.
Despite being a novella, so much happens in 'Binti.' Okorafor introduces us to Binti as she is already heading to Oomza University so we get to know her through her anticipation for her time at the university as well as her recollections of her life on Earth. There aren't too many characters but even those that we spend minimal time with feel fully fleshed out. Through details and very specific moments, Okorafor fleshes out the world and the lives of each character. The story is both a complete, intriguing plot while also clearly setting up the next stories in the series. I am so glad that this is a series as I can't wait to see where Binti goes next.
Binti is the first of her people to be accepted at the galactic Oomza University. Heading out from Earth, she anticipates what she will find at the university. But then disaster strikes and Binti is forced to negotiate for an alien race that Oomza University stole from in the past.
Despite being a novella, so much happens in 'Binti.' Okorafor introduces us to Binti as she is already heading to Oomza University so we get to know her through her anticipation for her time at the university as well as her recollections of her life on Earth. There aren't too many characters but even those that we spend minimal time with feel fully fleshed out. Through details and very specific moments, Okorafor fleshes out the world and the lives of each character. The story is both a complete, intriguing plot while also clearly setting up the next stories in the series. I am so glad that this is a series as I can't wait to see where Binti goes next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation
roorooreads's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I listened to this on audio and it felt love being told a story around a campfire. It felt like I was getting the tory first hand from the person it happened to. At times it was a hit hard to follow because there were so many new words to learn but I really enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Racism
grandiose_r's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I enjoyed it a lot, though I do understand why some reviewers felt like the resolution of the main conflict happened rather quickly. Small gripes I had were how often there were descriptions of "this group's men do x, and the women do y", making several groups very very binary gendered. This binary gendering was especially weird to me when encountering the main alien species in this book, who are so distinctly non-human, and yet are immediately viewed with a male/female lens and, conversely, who make gendered (and at one point vaguely misogynistic) judgements about humans.
Also, there's a throwaway line about the main character not being proud of having some lineage from a certain people whose only description is that they have very dark skin and wiry hair. This was especially jarring seeing as how the main character's journey is very much informed by her experiences with discrimination, more precisely anti-Blackness and colorism.
All in all though, I enjoyed the storytelling, the worldbuildung and the character and will be reading the next book in the series.
Also, there's a throwaway line about the main character not being proud of having some lineage from a certain people whose only description is that they have very dark skin and wiry hair. This was especially jarring seeing as how the main character's journey is very much informed by her experiences with discrimination, more precisely anti-Blackness and colorism.
All in all though, I enjoyed the storytelling, the worldbuildung and the character and will be reading the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Racism, Death, and Violence
amandabrown's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Racism
hanarama's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
CW: racism, death, body horror
The Good:
• Resourceful main character
• Horror into understanding
The Bad:
• Too short
• End is a little too "neat"
You Might Like this if You Like:
• A Memory Called Empire
• Octavia Butler
• Non-humanoid aliens
Binti is the first Himbe to be accepted into a prestigious intergalactic school. Though excited, she is apprehensive about leaving her family. Initially she has some difficulty, but soon starts building relationships with her future classmates.
But then their ship is attacked by the Meduse, a jellyfish-like alien species. Binti and the pilot are the only two left alive following the massacre. As Binti protects herself from the Meduse, she discovers a way to speak to them, and begins to relate to the aliens.
The setting is interesting, but the world building is mainly surface level. The novella is too short for a really in depth exploration of the setting.
The ending also suffers due to length. It feels a bit too neatly tied up and abrupt. It felt as though Okorafor was rushing to finish things up, when the story could have been further developed.
The Good:
• Resourceful main character
• Horror into understanding
The Bad:
• Too short
• End is a little too "neat"
You Might Like this if You Like:
• A Memory Called Empire
• Octavia Butler
• Non-humanoid aliens
Binti is the first Himbe to be accepted into a prestigious intergalactic school. Though excited, she is apprehensive about leaving her family. Initially she has some difficulty, but soon starts building relationships with her future classmates.
But then their ship is attacked by the Meduse, a jellyfish-like alien species. Binti and the pilot are the only two left alive following the massacre. As Binti protects herself from the Meduse, she discovers a way to speak to them, and begins to relate to the aliens.
The setting is interesting, but the world building is mainly surface level. The novella is too short for a really in depth exploration of the setting.
The ending also suffers due to length. It feels a bit too neatly tied up and abrupt. It felt as though Okorafor was rushing to finish things up, when the story could have been further developed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Death, Racism, and Violence