Who Fears Death

By: Nnedi Okorafor

Narrated by: Yetide Badaki

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

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.

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 color 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2010 Nnedi Okorafor. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Yetide Badaki anchors this fresh production of Okorafor's sprawling postapocalyptic fantasy with her heartfelt portrayal of a fierce, young heroine.… Badaki throws herself into her narration, giving Onye a powerful voice that handily demonstrates her anger at the world she inhabits and her determination to change it. A wry sense of humor accentuated by Badaki rounds out Onye's character and balances the darker aspects of this sometimes bleak and painstakingly detailed world.”—AudioFile Magazine

"Haunting and absolutely brilliant. My heart and guts are all turned inside out."—John Green, New York Times-bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

"Beautifully written, this is dystopian fantasy at its very best. Expertly exploring issues of race, gender, and cultural identity, Okorafor blends future fantasy with the rhythm and feel of African storytelling."—Library Journal (starred review)

The story itself.

Loved the storytelling style and the characters and the world in which they live. I enjoy reading this author

An exhilarating read from start to finish

This novel provided an exhilarating reading experience from beginning to end. While the intricate plotlines may have initially posed challenges in comprehension, the author’s skillful storytelling eventually unveiled a captivating narrative that left me eager for more. The seamless integration of the reader’s engagement with the intricate storyline elevated the plot to an even more exhilarating level than anticipated in the preview. Undoubtedly, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and intellectually stimulating literary experience.

No spoilers

Not my typical genre—purchased this a while ago & did not reread the synopsis before starting, so had not clue what the book was about. The story was absolutely captivating. It did run a bit long, but you really got a feel for the people, not just singular characters but for whole races. Take the time to listen—the narrator’s voice is music!

The world building is incredible.

I feel as if the weave into the other books she has written with out ever touching. I love the desert in this books. I would like to visit one.

Enjoyed

I enjoyed everything about this book even though some parts we very similar to The Akata Witch.

outstanding performance

I absolutely loved this book. It was a thoughtful journey in such a deep world. I wish there was more to come Fr m this world.

I love this author....

To me Nnedi Okorafor is right up there with Margret Atwood and Ursula Le Guin. She writes of strong women and young women today should be reading her books.

Powerful and organic world building

I love everything about this book. The beautifully flawed characters, the amazing descriptions. There is violence described sexual and otherwise. It is necessary in the story but be forewarned if these things are triggers.

Epic timelessness of the story

Excellent performance of a masterful tale: romance, magic and liberation all woven into a beautiful and captivating story. Loved it and cried at the end!!!

The Ending Wasn’t Satisfying

I enjoyed this book so much, until the last hour or so. It felt rushed like the final season of GOT. Great narration and great characters! I’ll probably still read the sequel.