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nicola4e's review
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
thecatconstellation's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
A quick sci-fi read with some fantasy notes. I really enjoyed this and am excited to read the others in the series. Interesting characters and plot. Mix of quick plot progression and introspection about identity and home.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Confinement, Racism, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: War, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, and Grief
relearning2read's review
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
sygin's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
It is an excellent book, especially if you are used to traditional sci - fi fare. It goes into some unexpected places and builds and incredibly fascinating and rich setting. Wholly recommend to anyone who likes sci - fi at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
tallbox's review
adventurous
hopeful
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Racism
blackcatkai's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
CW: blood, violence, death, racism, non-consensual touching, bullying
this was amazing and I can't wait to continue with the story. this was my first okorafor and I am ABSOLUTELY going to read more of her work in the future. I can see why this won awards! the world building in such a short novella is outstanding.
this was amazing and I can't wait to continue with the story. this was my first okorafor and I am ABSOLUTELY going to read more of her work in the future. I can see why this won awards! the world building in such a short novella is outstanding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Racism
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, and Death
btwnprintedpgs's review
adventurous
hopeful
tense
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Racism, and Violence
Minor: War
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
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