She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor expands the world of Who Fears Death (book review)

As a seasoned gamer of both books and video games, I can confidently say that diving into Nnedi Okorafor’s latest masterpiece, “She Who Knows,” was like stumbling upon an epic quest hidden within the depths of a forgotten RPG. With its rich world-building, captivating narrative style, and hints of mysteries yet to be unveiled, this novella is a testament to Okorafor’s skill as a storyteller.

Hey there fellow gamers! I just wanted to share some exciting news for all you fans of Nnedi Okorafor’s speculative fiction. The first book in her new trilogy, titled She Who Knows , has hit the shelves! This thrilling novella is a prequel to her critically acclaimed story, Who Fears Death. In this captivating tale, we’ll delve into the backstory of Najeeba, the mother of Onyesonwu, the main character from Who Fears Death. The story unfolds in a dystopian future Earth, set in a barren desert where Najeeba uncovers hidden powers within herself, altering not just her life but the fate of her entire community. Can’t wait to dive into this epic saga!

Since this novel is both a fresh creation from one of today’s genre greats and a prequel, you might find yourself eagerly anticipating it while also wondering if reading Who Fears Death beforehand is necessary. I have read She Who Knows, and will provide my spoiler-free review of the novella below.

She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor expands the world of Who Fears Death (book review)

Book review: She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor

To begin, let me address the initial query: Is it possible to understand She Who Knows, even if you haven’t read Who Fears Death? In my case, I was able to do so. Although Who Fears Death has been on my reading list for some time, I hadn’t had the chance to read it before receiving a copy of She Who Knows. This delay turned out to be beneficial as it allowed me to assess the level of accessibility this prequel series offers to both newcomers and long-time fans who are already familiar with Nnedi Okorafor’s work.

If “She Who Knows” is Najeeba’s tale, it remains engaging regardless of whether you are acquainted with the broader narrative or not. There may be numerous references to “Who Fears Death” that I missed, but it appears that the series will delve beyond the events of “Who Fears Death” in subsequent installments. Nevertheless, these facts did not diminish the experience of learning about Najeeba’s journey. Therefore, whether you have read “Who Fears Death” or not, you can still read and appreciate “She Who Knows”. However, be warned that if you find this book captivating, you will likely feel compelled to explore “Who Fears Death” afterwards.

In the narrative of “She Who Knows,” Okorafor’s storytelling style mirrors Najeeba’s personal account, a deliberate choice in my opinion. Okorafor, a renowned author with numerous accolades, has been weaving tales for quite some time. Her writing skills are remarkable when it comes to the crafting of prose. This book seems as if Najeeba herself is recounting her story, hinting at a later audience. The narrative’s voice is so vivid that it feels like an oral tradition being passed down, making the book captivating and hard to leave unfinished. I can only imagine how engaging it would be in an audiobook format.

In this captivating novella, Okorafor skillfully weaves a rich and intriguing world that draws inspiration from our reality yet is significantly enriched by her creative mind. The story unfolds in a future Earth, blending commonplace items such as mobile phones with mystical elements. This work, often categorized as ‘africanfuturism’ and ‘africanjujuism’, showcases the marriage of futuristic science fiction and fantasy with African mythology and spirituality. The book’s atmosphere and world are captivating, making Najeeba’s journey feel both grandiose and personally relatable as she navigates societal expectations and strives to chart her unique life course. I am deeply enamored with the narrative and setting of this book. The harmonious blend of tone, style, and content creates a compelling narrative that makes Najeeba’s story feel both epic in scale and intimately relatable as she challenges societal norms and chooses to carve her own path.

In this tale, a substantial amount of enchantment is woven into the plot, playing a crucial part in the unfolding events. Author Okorafor skillfully avoids excessive explanation of magical elements, thereby maintaining an air of mystery and potency that leaves one feeling these forces are almost incomprehensible to humans. On rare occasions, the magic seemed slightly too convenient, with Najeeba being unaware yet things mysteriously resolving in her favor. However, since these instances often resulted in ominous outcomes as well, it didn’t disrupt my engagement with the story but instead piqued my curiosity about the forces at play. I eagerly anticipate further exploration of these mysterious elements in future books.

She Who Knows is a reminder that Nnedi Okorafor is a master of novellas

Let’s briefly discuss the dimensions of “She Who Knows”. This novella, approximately 160 pages long, offers a succinct yet captivating narrative focusing on Najeeba’s childhood up to her pregnancy with Onyesonwu. Despite its compact nature, Najeeba’s character arc is remarkably profound, showcasing significant transformation and development throughout the storyline. The book’s impactful lines about how society perceives or overlooks Najeeba, and how she adapts accordingly, add depth to her journey. Overall, the size of this tale seems just right to convey its powerful message effectively.

One reason this book is so effective is that Nnedi Okorafor, like a few exceptional authors, excels at crafting both short and long narratives. Her Hugo Award-winning series, Binti, is comprised of novellas, demonstrating her versatility in this area. This book feels like a novella that I would revisit multiple times, especially when its sequels are released. The story of Najeeba concludes with the end of her childhood, but it also hints at what’s to come, suggesting there may be more about her future revealed in future installments. Given my enjoyment of She Who Knows, I eagerly anticipate reading any new work by Okorafor.

Verdict

As a voracious reader and a lover of African fantasy literature, I was captivated by “She Who Knows,” an enthralling spin-off from Nnedi Okorafor’s masterpiece “Who Fears Death.” Having devoured both books, I can attest that this novel not only adds depth to the universe established in the original but also serves as a welcoming gateway for newcomers.

2024-08-21 00:42

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