Impact
Evocative and sharply elegant, a compact gem of adventure, vivid, funny, and memorable…
The impact and awards
The Binti trilogy, written by Nnedi Okorafor, has had a significant impact on readers since its release.
One of the biggest benefits that the trilogy brings to society is the representation of different cultures and perspectives. Okorafor's use of the Himba culture in the series challenges the traditional depiction of African cultures in literature and contributes to a more subtle understanding of their beliefs and practices. The books also explore the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural conflict, making them relevant and important to readers of all backgrounds.
Critical reception to the Binti trilogy has been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising Okorafor's world-building and the series' varied and complex characters. They admire the very fine work of creating a character that combines all the best features. The girl goes through difficult trials that test her strength and make her even stronger.
One of the biggest benefits that the trilogy brings to society is the representation of different cultures and perspectives. Okorafor's use of the Himba culture in the series challenges the traditional depiction of African cultures in literature and contributes to a more subtle understanding of their beliefs and practices. The books also explore the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural conflict, making them relevant and important to readers of all backgrounds.
Critical reception to the Binti trilogy has been overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising Okorafor's world-building and the series' varied and complex characters. They admire the very fine work of creating a character that combines all the best features. The girl goes through difficult trials that test her strength and make her even stronger.
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Not only is it a story about an intensely clever, brave and compassionate young woman who finds herself doing several things for the first time, it’s also a first contact story. The brilliance of it lies in just how many versions of that first contact Okorafor folds into the text.
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Binti is a supreme read about a smart, edgy Afropolitan in space! It’s a wondrous combination of extra-terrestrial adventure and age-old African diplomacy. Unforgettable!
The first book in the series, Binti, won the 2016 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel. The second book, Binti: Home, was a finalist for the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
Nnedi Okorafor with her books. Michael Chow/The Republic
Reviews and critical reception
Reader’s reviews of the trilogy are also generally positive, with many readers praising the series' unique blend of science fiction and African culture. Some readers have also noted that the books are relatively short but still manage to pack a significant emotional punch. Many famous critics and writers gave the book a positive feedback:
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Binti: Home is a rich, complex story of identity, family, and friendship. It’s the rare sequel that exceeds the expectations set by the first–a futuristic story that is nonetheless vivid, emotional, and timeless.
Barnes & Noble, Chicago Tribune and USA Today also wrote praising reviews about the book which is really impressive. But not only serious agencies and serious writers liked Binti’s story, but also usual people who found the book relatable, vivid, fascinating and thrilling. Here are a few reviews from readers.
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I loved this trilogy so much, I loved reading about Binti, I was crushed at her sufferings and incredibly delighted to see her story take a final happier turn. All the characters around her are so alive and amazing too, unforgettable and as fascinating as the events they take part in or that evolve around them.
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It's a different perspective; I've learned new things about African tribal cultures; and it covers themes like belonging, tradition and identity. It's also incredibly refreshing to read a science-fiction book with a protagonist steeped in a completely different cultural tradition.
However, of course, a book can’t be liked by everyone. In fact, there are some negative reviews, mostly because of the fact that a mass-murder that occured on the spacecraft on the way to Oomza university was mostly ignored and nobody was punished for it in the book. Some readers resent the fact that Binti befriended a Meduse who wanted to kill her at first. They don’t understand why nobody is trying to get back at the Meduse for that terroristic act and how such friendship is even possible.
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What I don't like is a completely insane turnaround in a plot firmly rooted in terrorism and attempted mass-murder of a whole university after the aliens killed almost everyone on Binti's spacecraft. And it was all done because the chief lost his stinger.
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Most significantly, I'm not saying that it is impossible to become best buddies with the terrorist who murdered your crush, all your new friends and classmates, and well, EVERYONE on the ship you're traveling on. But if that's going to happen, it needs to be a lot more carefully done. The psychological complexity and ambiguity of the situation needs to be acknowledged, at the very least, and it isn't here, at all.
This matter is certainly worth discussing. Probably, since the book was intended for the younger audience, not a lot of readers thought about it.
Despite a few critical responses, most readers loved the story. They were happy to read about adventures of young Binti and follow her on a journey of discovery. The book teaches us a lesson about diversity, self-acceptance and bravery. Overall, the Binti trilogy has had a significant impact on readers and the science fiction genre as a whole, promoting diverse representation and challenging traditional notions of what science fiction can look like.
Despite a few critical responses, most readers loved the story. They were happy to read about adventures of young Binti and follow her on a journey of discovery. The book teaches us a lesson about diversity, self-acceptance and bravery. Overall, the Binti trilogy has had a significant impact on readers and the science fiction genre as a whole, promoting diverse representation and challenging traditional notions of what science fiction can look like.
