Book 6 Binti

 

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor fulfills the category “An Afrofuturistic Book” for the PopSugar 2021 Reading Challenge. The novella, part of a trilogy, begins (probably) in Namibia and moves into space. Binti’s African culture and traditions are fundamental to the story.

Wow, what did I just read? Binti reminded me of the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, which left me with as many questions as answers. I have no idea what happened in this book, but I liked it! My husband is a hard sci-fi fan (which means he likes the “this could actually happen because it’s based on real science”). As soon as I finished Binti, I handed it over to him. He finished the series.

Binti takes place in the future. The earth has changed, aliens have made contact, and science has progressed in huge leaps and bounds. The world is not as we recognize it. Ms. Okorafor doesn’t take the time to explain it all to it. It just is. I love a narrative like that. Forget the back story and jump into the actual plot. Let the reader put the pieces together themselves. To be honest, I couldn’t quite do it. I need to reread this one before I move on to the next. There was some serious math in there!

Also, the technology is not really explained, but I don’t think it’s necessary. It just is. Instead, Ms. Okorafor concentrated on the culture, which was essential to the story. Binti’s culture seems based on the Himba culture from Namibia. In Binti’s time, tribalism still marks her every day. Her tribe is famous for its technological skill and ability to use math to basically do magic with technology. (It may not be magic to mathematicians, but I am not one.) At the same time, her tribe adheres to very traditional values. They do not leave home, and they use a ceremonial mixture of the clay from their desert to coat their skin, an otjize. Binti breaks all tradition and enrolls in a university in outer space. But she takes with her the otjize that is an essential part of her culture and identity. It saves her life.

I won’t spoil this amazing book but will hint at its themes. The blending of the old and the new is central to the tale. The author seems to tell us to embrace new adventure, opportunities, and technology, but never forget who we are and where we come from. In this modern age, I think the lesson is essential for all of us. Too many people get bogged down with the “That’s not the way we did X in my day.” And kids dismiss their parents’ and grandparents’ traditions and culture. (Which is normal, they are kids.) But in her late teens, Binti shows us we can blend the two—the old, the new—and be smarter for it. You never know what will be critical information in a dire situation.

Enough hints! Go read this book. We can read Book 2—Binti Home together.

I give Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Five Jars of Otjize.