Yesterday, I sat down to start BINTI by Nnedi Okorafor. I knew it was a novella, on the short side, probably a fast read, but I was not prepared for how completely it pulled me in and made me it’s bitch. This book is deserving of all the attention it’s received, and more, and I’m delighted to say that a sequel is coming out in January – I’ve already pre-ordered my copy.
BINTI is unique in that it is not only squarely positioned in a woman’s POV, it’s squarely positioned in a minority woman’s POV. Not just a minority as we in the present day identify it, but also as seen from the world in which the story happens. BINTI is a member of a community which is brilliant, traditional, and distrustful of outsiders. Members do not travel, they do not marry or even socialize outside of their own community. But when BINTI has the chance to not only go off world, but to travel to the elite international university to study, the temptation is too much even for her traditional roots.
BINTI’s adventure is more than expected, exquisitely detailed and rife with social commentary. The story practically glows with a sense of self from the main character, both in her identity as an individual and in her conflict/commitment to her culture.
Highly recommended.
Remember, every month I give away a book on my blog: www.PKTyler.com/giveaway