Who Fears Death

Who Fears Death was a book assigned to me in a college course, and it was the most enjoyable piece of course work I ever had to read. Centered in post-apocalyptic Africa, Who Fears Death follows a biracial girl living in a segregated society that rejects “mixed blood.” I was endlessly cheering for the main character—Onyesonwu—and her stubborn pursuit of her own magical path. I pushed off reading most of my other coursework in order to finish this story and discover where Onye’s path would take her. Okorafor’s society-building was not only convincing, but also heartbreaking, and contained mirrors to… show more.

Who Fears Death is one of my all-time favourite fantasy novels. Set in post-apocalyptic Sudan, this novel brings voices to the genre that are seldom heard. The story follows a girl called Onye, a child born of violence. I adored her from the first. Gifted with powers to change into any creature of her choosing, the power to heal, even the power to bring life back from death, she is loyal, flawed, and courageous, with fierce determination capable of immense love as well as focused revenge. Onyeneswu (translates to Who Fears Death), is most at home in the desert… show more.