82 pages • 2 hours read
Who Fears Death
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Post-apocalyptic Africa
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor, Onyesonwu (Onye), a child born of an Okeke woman and a Nuru man in a future post-apocalyptic Sudan, discovers her inherited magical powers and embarks on a journey to overcome her powerful sorcerer father and rewrite the Great Book to end the oppression of her people. The novel explores themes of identity, liberation, and the power of change. Sensitive topics, including gender-based violence and systemic oppression, are present.
Mysterious
Dark
Fantastical
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
30,398 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor is praised for its powerful narrative and rich cultural references. Critics commend its strong feminist themes and the complex, well-developed protagonist. However, some find its dark, dystopian elements overwhelming and its pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking blend of fantasy and African folklore.
Who Should Read Who Fears Death?
Readers who appreciate speculative fiction with strong African cultural elements will enjoy Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor. Fans of Octavia Butler's Kindred or N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth series will find its blend of dystopian themes, complex characters, and societal critique equally compelling.
30,398 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Post-apocalyptic Africa
2010
Adult
18+ years
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