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A review by imtashamonet
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. (Releases January 14, 2025)
This was my first time reading a book by Nnedi Okorafor so I really didn't know what to expect. Obviously, I've heard of Nnedi Okorafor and I've heard of how wonderful of a writer Okorafor is. Somehow, I just never got around to reading one her books before, which is an oversight on my part that I am happy I was able to correct with this arc.
Death of the Author was a beautiful blend of literary and contemporary through a book within a book frame. Sometimes, I do not like stories that do this because it can be difficult to tell which story you are reading. However, Okorafor has visual clues (including cute little robot emojis in the chapter headings) when the story has shifted and the writing is distinct enough. I'd classify this as a piece of metafiction that doesn't necessarily read as metafiction at first. You're thrown into the world of the main characters Zelu/Ankara and the story moves rather quickly while also taking its time, if that makes sense.
From reviews I had seen before reading my own copy of the arc, I already knew that the book had some aspects of social commentary, but I wasn't sure what it would be like. I was worried it would be didactic, but that didn't necessarily happen until the very end. I found the characters enjoyable, even when they got on my last nerves (although Chinyere and Amarachi were pushing it). I felt for Zelu and I felt for Ankara. Zelu, in particular, is a well-written character. I obviously feel more for her because of how she is framed as the main character of one of the storylines in the book, she is not without flaw and she is not always likeable. That makes her real in a way that made me care more about her and her desires, even when they were asinine to me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and an excellent introduction to Nnedi Okorafor for me.
This was my first time reading a book by Nnedi Okorafor so I really didn't know what to expect. Obviously, I've heard of Nnedi Okorafor and I've heard of how wonderful of a writer Okorafor is. Somehow, I just never got around to reading one her books before, which is an oversight on my part that I am happy I was able to correct with this arc.
Death of the Author was a beautiful blend of literary and contemporary through a book within a book frame. Sometimes, I do not like stories that do this because it can be difficult to tell which story you are reading. However, Okorafor has visual clues (including cute little robot emojis in the chapter headings) when the story has shifted and the writing is distinct enough. I'd classify this as a piece of metafiction that doesn't necessarily read as metafiction at first. You're thrown into the world of the main characters Zelu/Ankara and the story moves rather quickly while also taking its time, if that makes sense.
From reviews I had seen before reading my own copy of the arc, I already knew that the book had some aspects of social commentary, but I wasn't sure what it would be like. I was worried it would be didactic, but that didn't necessarily happen until the very end. I found the characters enjoyable, even when they got on my last nerves (although Chinyere and Amarachi were pushing it). I felt for Zelu and I felt for Ankara. Zelu, in particular, is a well-written character. I obviously feel more for her because of how she is framed as the main character of one of the storylines in the book, she is not without flaw and she is not always likeable. That makes her real in a way that made me care more about her and her desires, even when they were asinine to me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and an excellent introduction to Nnedi Okorafor for me.