Binti: Home, Nnedi Okorafor
This would probably have got a higher rating from me if I’d reread the first novella. As it was, I couldn’t tell what was supposed to be new to me and what was just part of me remembering the first book poorly. Things just kept happening, and I couldn’t make any guess about the next event — and then it suddenly ended. I forgot the basics. So if you were wondering about reading this as a standalone, I would say: don’t.
I really want to find the Okorafor novel/la that will work for me. Binti hasn’t been it, with either instalment. I do enjoy the worldbuilding, the mix of cultures, and the feeling of warmth I get from the story, from Binti’s courage… but I found the movement through the story a little too bewildering. I probably won’t read any more books about Binti; I just don’t seem to “get” it.
I had a lot of the same issues as you. =\ I wish I liked Binti more than I do, but I just can’t quite connect to the story. I’ve heard such great things about Okorafor’s longer work, though, so I’m planning to read one of her novels at some point this year.
Jess @ Curiouser and Curiouser recently posted…Review | Final Girls by Riley Sager
Honestly, I have much the same experience with her longer work, at least so far. I wish I could get into it, because they are fascinating!