Who Fears Death

By: Nnedi Okorafor

Narrated by: Nneka Okoye

An award-winning literary author enters the world of magical realism with her World Fantasy Award-winning novel of a remarkable woman in post-apocalyptic Africa.

Now optioned as a TV series for HBO, with executive producer George R.R. Martin!

In a post-apocalyptic Africa, the world has changed in many ways; yet in one region genocide between tribes still bloodies the land. A woman who has survived the annihilation of her village and a terrible rape by an enemy general wanders into the desert, hoping to die. Instead, she gives birth to an angry baby girl with hair and skin the colour of sand. Gripped by the certainty that her daughter is different – special – she names her Onyesonwu, which means ‘Who fears death?’ in an ancient language.

It doesn't take long for Onye to understand that she is physically and socially marked by the circumstances of her conception. She is Ewu – a child of rape who is expected to live a life of violence, a half-breed rejected by her community. But Onye is not the average Ewu. Even as a child, she manifests the beginnings of a remarkable and unique magic. As she grows, so do her abilities, and during an inadvertent visit to the spirit realm, she learns something terrifying: someone powerful is trying to kill her.

Desperate to elude her would-be murderer and to understand her own nature, she embarks on a journey in which she grapples with nature, tradition, history, true love, and the spiritual mysteries of her culture, and ultimately learns why she was given the name she bears: Who Fears Death.

©2018 Nnedi Okorafor (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Magnificent!

Extremely good story, pace, narration, world...
One of the best books I have ever read

Good but maybe not what I hoped.

This is a book I'd describe as "good" in the academic sense. It's bold, provocative, emotional. It had very powerful themes and actively engages in attacking social issues. There are scenes in this book that are some of the most impactful that I have ever read, and I was brought to tears at least once.

Now, that said. I'm not sure I really enjoyed it. The descriptions are often vivid and poetic but sometimes I just wish it was a bit more clear. If often felt like I didn't really understand what was happening and sure that was probably intentional a lot of the time, but I don't know. The vague magic and soft rules sort of bugged me. It is a fantasy story in that there is magic, but really the purpose it serves is less your typical fantasy story and more a metaphor for empowerment.

If you want something different and interesting that you'll want to talk about and discuss this is a great choice.

An absolute masterpiece

I can't think how this book could have been better. It has instantly become one of my all time favorites. The imagery, the magic, the pain, and beauty. I laughed and cried, and had goosebumps. Nneka Okoye added to the experience with her brilliant narration.

One of my favourite books of all times.

Wonderful fiery story red by a most beautiful voice.
This book has everything - love, passion, adventure, philosophy, beauty... and it makes you look for more.
I hvae listened to it two times in two years, would love to own a physical copy.

Awesome book, was hard not to listen it in one go

I rarely read/listen to literature/fiction and i found this book trough a Grimes interview with the Author. And i’ve never read anything like it. I like the language used, the storyline and how well it painted the pictures in my head.
I was a bit surprised how brutal it was at moments and i’m not sure if i enjoyed that but for some this would be just how they like it :D
Nice one, recommend.

Very engaging story!

It was a great listen well narrated! One escaped into the writers world. Not for the faint hearted.