There seems to be some confusion, but I have it marked in my calendar that the first week in December is #ReadingAfricaWeek (there may be another one in February?). I’m not really seeing much around the internet about this event for 2024; I’m honestly not sure it’s still a thing, but I’m making it a thing, at least here on A&A.

As I wrote last year when I reviewed The Fine Print by Chinelo Onwualu, all one need do to participate in the event, is spotlight African Literature.

The novella I chose this year seems a bit obvious, but it’s a long-time favorite of mine (Goodreads tells me I’ve read it three times!), and honestly I’m ashamed that I’ve never talked about it on the blog before. That novella, is none other than Nnedi Okorafor’s BINTI !!!

It’s a bit hard to know where to start when reviewing this novella, but it seems appropriate to start with the sense of awe and wonder which Nnedi brings to all of her works. The spaceport Binti must navigate on her first trip away from earth, and the planet-university of Oomza Uni seem particularly good examples. Of course there is the also the floating, space-fairing, warmongering, octopus-jellyfish hybrids known as the Meduse, which attack and encounter Binti on a giant space travelling shrimp.

Nearly every page is like this, just a shock of imagination and artistry, that continues to impress nearly ten years after the first time I read it.

But of course there is more as well. Thematically, the book’s focus is split between capturing — in the most fantastical way possible — the outsider’s experience, and necessary arguments (lessons really) in support of harmony between different peoples and cultures.

Antoinette over at Black & Bookish writes:

“Okorafor’s storytelling is vivid and thorough, and no doubt the the spot on writing of the outsider experience is personal to her. Underneath the action and advanced technologies, this story is the equivalent of an out of body, sci-fi experience in regards to black womanhood.” – “Binti” Reminds Us That We Write Our Own Stories (Book Review)

Even today this is something of a rare thing and certainly an important reason to shout about this book from rooftops.

Give Binti a read?

One hundred times yes! There is plenty of acclaim surrounding this novella already (won a Hugo back in 2016), but for me personally it is a rare kind of story which does everything (effortlessly) right: shows incredible imagination, engages with important themes, and is genuinely just a blast to read.

If you haven’t already, please pick this one up. It’s a great read!

That’s all I have for this week. Who has read this one already? What’s your favorite part? Was there anything which stuck out to you which I missed? Leave your thoughts in the comments. I’m really looking forward to talking about this one!

Until next time . . .