Many of Nnedi Okorafor’s books have made their way to my TBR over the years, but this was the first I read… I’m quite smitten.

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SYNOPSIS

Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.

Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti’s stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach.

If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself — but first she has to make it there, alive.

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Highlight: “This is Binti Ekeopara Zuzu Dambu Kaipka of Namib, the one… the one who survives,” Okwu said. / “You may just call me Binti,” I whispered, keeping my head down. My first name was singular and two syllabled like Okwu’s name and I thought maybe it would please the chief.

REVIEW

This was amazing, I loved every moment.

Organic/living spaceships are a personal favourite of mine. Individuals maintaining their culture/identity in a futuristic universe is another favourite.

I loved Binti, I loved her otjize & how she falls into mathematical trances. She showed a lot of bravery in all of her decisions. I love that she’s the first of the Himba people to leave the planet, risking alienation from her own people & becoming a curiosity for others to gawk at. She’s paving a great path, her own path.

I loved the Meduse. I didn’t expect them at all & expected action/violence after they arrived, but I got intelligent negotiations instead.

I loved the ending, but the modifications made to Binti’s body left a bitter taste in my mouth. I want only good things to happen to her. She deserves good things.

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