Review: Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor
Title: Who Fears Death
Author: Okorafor, Nnedi
Length: 304 pages
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher / Year: Daw / 2010
Source: Amazon Kindle Store
Rating: 5/5
Why I Read It: Okorafor has been on my authors to read pile for quite a while. I picked this up at the same time as I picked up Akata Witch.
Date Read: 02/05/11
Onyesonwu, the narrator of this story, is telling us her story of growing up and what has come to pass. The story begins with her telling of her Papa’s death and then she goes back to explain the weird power that she has and what has happened to her through her life that has led to the present. In a few places the story is interrupted with a current one-sided conversation she is having someone and from this we understand that she is telling her story to some unnamed person for them to record. Onyesonwu was named such by her mother specifically as the name means ‘who fears death’, and that is where this book gets its title.
I feel like I would need a full semester or more in a class with a lot of other smart people to discuss everything in this book, and that I could write innumerable essays on the various topics explored through the novel. Instead I have to be content with a (hopefully not too long) review and hope that I can convince others to read this to discuss it with me!
The story of Onyesonwu’s conception and what happened to her mother Najeeba was quite disturbing. Basically the book tells the story of two tribes who were forever at war – one (Okeke) was always to be slave to the other (Nuru). The Nuru often raped and killed entire villages, and Najeeba (the main characters mother) was impregnated during such an attack. Because she was raped she was shunned by her husband and had to live alone in the desert. Her daughter, as all children of such rapes, was born looking different and is called ewu. They face harsh discrimination and violence because of this.
Also a large part of the book refers to traditional ceremonies such as female circumcision – more commonly referred to as female genital cutting or mutilation. Onyesonwu’s mother came from a village where it wasn’t performed anymore. In Jwahir, the town where they live with her stepfather, all eleven year-old girls go through it, but voluntarily. She decides to go through with it so as not to bring shame upon her family and so that she can fit in. It was interesting that it was pointed out that no one remembered why it was done but that it was still so respected, just as currently. What was angering to me was the additional fact that comes about later in the book that apparently a woman will feel extreme pain when aroused until married after the rite, through witchcraft that is involved, because clearly the woman has to control the man’s sexual urges.
These things and others highlight the sexism of many customs (such as the husbands honor for some reason being more important than the wife who was brutally attacked). Shame seemed to be a huge trend through the book both with the racism and the rituals, and the shame was always something that hurt women. The shame could come from the attacks and being raped, from being the child of a Nuru – Okeke union (whether a rape or a union of love) and thus being ewu, from not being cut, and so on. In each case the shame was used as a way to control the women and keep them in line. This was highlighted in the extreme when it comes about that Aro won’t apprentice Onyesonwu because he is scared of her, and when she and her partner have to continually struggle because he can’t handle that she is more powerful than he is. The gender roles and stereotypes are constantly being brought up and examined and flipped on their heads.
One other really interesting aspect in the novel was the town of Ssolu and the Red People. This was almost, in a way, portrayed as a utopia of sorts. Their society was protected inside a huge sandstorm which was kept up by juju, and within this they had quite free rein to live as they wanted to. They had very different ideas on sexuality and the raising of children.
Through both the Okeke / Nuru relations as well as how Onyesonwu is treated as ewu we see racism affect the characters in a variety of ways. Nothing is ever shown as black or white and the gray areas are constantly being explored. Though the Nuru are in effect performing a genocide against the Okeke, Mwiti is also able to point out that some of the Okeke are also brutalizing the Nuru people in other cases and that in war both sides can commit atrocities. It is always pointed out that each person makes their own decisions to act or not act, to respond or not respond, and to hide from what is going on or to become a part of the solution.
Definitely a book that I would highly recommend to all. Even if you don’t read fantasy / science-fiction, the book explores so many important and interesting issues in such a great way. Through her writing Okorafor makes her readers think about things like culture, religion, authenticity, race, gender, sexuality, justice, retribution, anger, and more.
I virtually never read sci-fi or fantasy, but this sounds like an interesting one. I’m especially interested that it comes out of Nigeria. I dont know if I can handle the FGM storyline though – I always find that quite upsetting.
Yes I can understand that Sarah. At first I was angry with it but as the book progressed it was explored in a really interesting way. If you think you can, I would recommend trying it anyway. Just keep in mind that what happens at first isn’t the only time it is explored!
Okarafor reminds a bit of Octavia Butler…not in terms of writing style (at all!), but just that you don’t feel like you’re reading science fiction/fantasy when you read their books. They put so much into their books to think about that it seems weird to classify them in the science fiction genre.
The only thing about this book that I didn’t like (which is little compared to what I did like) is I wanted more backstory. I wanted to know how the world got to be the way it was, because the useless computers seemed to hint at some Big Thing that had happened.
Yes, having just read a book by Butler I would agree with you there Jill. It really didn’t feel like fantasy in the way that some other books do. And yes, I would love to know the backstory in this book too! It was interesting to me how the world was set up and I have to admit that I kind of liked that the backstory didn’t take over the book in the way that it does sometimes. But I’d still like to know more!
This sounds like a really interesting book. I like the idea that it brings up so many issues. Based on your review, I am actually going to look for this book pretty soon (I see it is available for the Kindle so I will definitely put it up there are on my list).
Yay! I read it on the Kindle so it is definitely there. I hope you really enjoy it Dragonflyy419!
I found it at my local library and started reading it last night!
Yay can’t wait to hear your thoughts Dragonflyy419! I’m nervous
Powerful stuff! This sort of subtle fantasy(?) is a style of writing I really enjoy, so this is definitely one for the wish list!
Yes yes yes good Trisha! I want everyone to read this one!
It sounds like this book tackled a lot of issues at once, and I am interested that you mention that it is sort of a science fiction/fantasy read as well. I also like that part of the book is reflected as almost a monologue that the protagonist speaks to another person. Great review, Amy! I am definitely adding this one to the list!
Thank you zibilee
The book definitely discusses a lot, and does it so well. I really recommend it!
Wow. This sounds like such a powerful book with the author exploring so many different topics. It’s different from the light summer reading I had planned, but after reading your review, it’s a book that I don’t want to miss out on either. I’ll have to keep an eye out for this book the next time I head to a bookstore.
Definitely a bit heavier than you may have planned toothy, but really really great book. In my opinion anyway
I hope that if you find it, you really love it!
Patrick Rothfuss recommended this on his blog which was enough for me.
Honestly, I think it will be interesting to see how the gender mutilation thing plays out. As well the impression that I get of sexuality being a theme.
Also, I’m always down for a good fantasy, so thanks for bringing this to the forefront of my mind instead of the back!
Yes sexuality is definitely a big theme April. I am very glad to have reminded you of the book
I haven’t read Patrick Rothfuss but he clearly has good taste so maybe I should!
This one sounds interesting and I think fantasy is fantastic for tackling difficult issues even though bad fantasy book covers tend to scare me off
Yes, fantasy really is great for that isn’t it Bina? This cover isn’t too scary compared to many but yes, I suppose it might turn some people off. The Kindle is good for avoiding that though
Have heard a lot about this novel, though it’s not on the shelves of Ghana yet. We are looking forward to seeing it on our shelves.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when it finally hits shelves there Nana!
This sounds so awesome. I’ve been on the lookout for feminist speculative fiction for a possible reading project and this would be PERFECT.
Yes yes yes please read it Ana! I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on it!!!!!
I found this one absolutely mind-blowing – in a good way. Definitely a five-star read!
Yes, I agree with you booksandmoviescarriek – definitely mind-blowing in the best possible way.
I ended up giving up on this one because the writing style was driving me crazy, as much as I found the issues she raises fascinating. So it was fun to read your post!
Oh I’m sad to hear that the writing didn’t work for you on this one Eva. We do tend to have opposite taste in fiction don’t we? I’m glad we agree on non-fiction at least
This one really stuck with me and I want to read more of her work. Have you read any of her YA novels?
I read Akata Witch which I reviewed last Friday Gavin. Really enjoyed it as well but not nearly as much as this one.
I’ve been wanting to read this for ages. I’m especially interested in the parallels between her and Octavia Butler. Selfishly, I’m looking for a successor to Butler. I’ve read a couple of her short stories. I find her use of witchcraft and other fantasies quite subversive. She is a welcomed addition to African literature. Thanks for the review.
I have only read one title by Butler, Kinna, but definitely think that parallels could be made between their works. I will be on the lookout now for her short stories!
I agree that this is a good title for discussion. I enjoyed the way Okorafor stimulated my thoughts about the issues you mention in your review, even though I found the writing style too dry for my taste. I’ve also read Okorafor’s earlier novel, The Shadow Speaker, which has more action, more magic and fewer heavy issues, but a similar post-apocalyptic African desert setting. Thanks for reminding me about this challenging author. I’ve placed a request for Akata Witch, which is currently on order at my public library.
http://lindypratch.blogspot.com/2010/12/who-fears-death-by-nnedi-okorafor.html
Too bad you weren’t a big fan of the writing style, Lindy, but I’m glad that you liked the book despite that. I really want to read The Shadow Speaker now I have to say! Thanks also for the link to your review.
I lost track of this one on the first library pass but I definitely need to get back to it. I felt the same way about The Shadow Speaker. Thanks for the nudge back in that direction!
You are most welcome BuriedInPrint
I am hoping to read The Shadow Speaker sometime soon now myself.
This sounds amazing. I think it’s still rare to come across books that tackle such difficult issues such as rape and FGM head-on, especially in genre fiction so I’m really interested in reading this. Very nice review Amy.
I hope you give this one a try Sakura, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!
You’ve sold me…I would look out for this. Thanks, amy.
I’m glad to hear that Geosi