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A review by steveatwaywords
Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Okorafor's take on cybernetic science fiction is fresh, fast-paced and compelling, with a fascinating world and a main and supporting protagonist I wanted to know more about, and this is rare in the genre, anymore.
Main character Anwuli (AO) is in a unique space as Other, one more or less self-designed after childhood tragedies. Her augmentations are Nigeria's new pressure point for prejudices, as are the borders between traditional and modern lifestyles. Soon paired with a traditional herdsman, the two represent the extreme ends of this dynamic world's victims: it's no wonder they ally.
The novel moves very quickly from place to place as they seek refuge and we are given, I think, precious little time to reflect on most of it. The entire action for the book takes place in a little more than a single week's time. It's too bad, in one way, because all I could imagine as I read is that the world-building Okorafor has done here calls for more story, much more story. And so do her characters, who deserve the time to reflect on the significance of the decisions and power shifts implicit in their choices.
And it's clear to me that Okorafor has spent time in the world beyond this story's construction. We have a fairly elaborate mythology of the inventive moment which changes the African story in energy leadership and wealth. Regrettably, little is done with the story related to this plot beyond relating it. But it's a tantalizing conceit for more novels ahead.
Of course, too, Okorafor is a bit bound still by science fiction's traditional tropes; it is difficult to write about cybernetics, corrupt oligarchies, and "chosen ones" without falling into predictable patterns. There is more here that could be explored, if she would give herself the space to do it. As it is, much of what comes from the novel's conceit remains somewhat predictable: it would make, I fear, a forgettable movie if optioned as one.
Okorafor is a marvelous talent who, like other enviro-future writers such as Paolo Bacigalupi, could take on more ambitious projects still. I for one look forward to them.
Main character Anwuli (AO) is in a unique space as Other, one more or less self-designed after childhood tragedies. Her augmentations are Nigeria's new pressure point for prejudices, as are the borders between traditional and modern lifestyles. Soon paired with a traditional herdsman, the two represent the extreme ends of this dynamic world's victims: it's no wonder they ally.
The novel moves very quickly from place to place as they seek refuge and we are given, I think, precious little time to reflect on most of it. The entire action for the book takes place in a little more than a single week's time. It's too bad, in one way, because all I could imagine as I read is that the world-building Okorafor has done here calls for more story, much more story. And so do her characters, who deserve the time to reflect on the significance of the decisions and power shifts implicit in their choices.
And it's clear to me that Okorafor has spent time in the world beyond this story's construction. We have a fairly elaborate mythology of the inventive moment which changes the African story in energy leadership and wealth. Regrettably, little is done with the story related to this plot beyond relating it. But it's a tantalizing conceit for more novels ahead.
Of course, too, Okorafor is a bit bound still by science fiction's traditional tropes; it is difficult to write about cybernetics, corrupt oligarchies, and "chosen ones" without falling into predictable patterns. There is more here that could be explored, if she would give herself the space to do it. As it is, much of what comes from the novel's conceit remains somewhat predictable: it would make, I fear, a forgettable movie if optioned as one.
Okorafor is a marvelous talent who, like other enviro-future writers such as Paolo Bacigalupi, could take on more ambitious projects still. I for one look forward to them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Animal death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail