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304
Novel • Fiction
Post-apocalyptic Africa
2010
Adult
18+ years
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
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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.
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
Mwita
An Ewu and a student of magic, Mwita becomes Onye's partner and serves as her caring and cautious foil, balancing her impulsive nature with his own more traditional views and healing abilities.
Binta, Diti, Luyu, and Fanasi
Onye’s closest friends in the town of Jwahir, each of whom has their own personal reasons for accompanying her on her journey, and Fanasi, who is Diti's childhood sweetheart.
Najeeba
Onye’s mother, who fiercely protects her daughter while harboring secrets about her own magical abilities.
Fadil
Onye’s adoptive father, a kind blacksmith in the town of Jwahir who treats her with compassion and becomes part of her family after marrying Najeeba.
Daib
A powerful and cruel Nuru sorcerer, Daib has deep hatred for Okeke and is directly connected to Onye’s complicated past.
Aro
An elder sorcerer in Jwahir who becomes Onye’s reluctant mentor in her journey to learn magic.
Sola
An elder sorcerer described as having a light complexion, he plays a critical role in the initiation of student sorcerers and has connections to other key characters.
Ssaiku and Ting
Sorcerers associated with the Vah, or Red People, with Ssaiku guiding Onye through a pivotal part of her training and Ting being an expert in magical languages.
The Red People
A nomadic, mythical group known as the Vah, who practice magic and offer an open and accepting society that contrasts with that of the Nuru and Okeke.
304
Novel • Fiction
Post-apocalyptic Africa
2010
Adult
18+ years
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