A review by nytephoenyx
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

dark mysterious reflective 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

5.0

I enjoyed Binti so much that I quickly forgot it was only a novella and was surprised when it came to an end after only two and a half hours of listening time.

Binti is solid sci-fi. Nnedi Okorafor proves yet again that the white male gatekeeping of the genre has only hurt its development. In 96 pages, Okorafor introduces the reader to multiple civilizations, multiple planets, varying cultures, varying species, and advanced technology. She does all this with an expert hand, and need I say again, in less than one hundred pages. Epic fantasy writers could stand to learn something from her.

I think my least favorite thing about Binti was that it ended. Particularly that it ended in the middle of a mildly anticipated moment. Like all good novellas, Binti was far too short for my happiness – thank goodness there are two more books to continue the story! I thought the characters were extremely well-developed and I was incredibly impressed with the wold building. Okorafor chooses each of her words carefully to evoke the greatest meaning, and it shows in how vivid the story is.

Not only would I wholeheartedly recommend Binti to anyone interested in science fiction, Black authors and protagonists, and fans of novellas, but I am sold on her as a writer. She’s a champion of diversity, skilled at her craft, and a passionate person driving good in the world – I am a fan.
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