From the very beginning of the book, I was hooked into figuring out what happened to Zelu. From the interviews with her family and friends, to the timeline we get from her present day, and even to the details of the book she wrote, it all leads up to what happens to her. While the end of the book did leave me a little frustrated, I never would have expected that outcome.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and most especially Nnedi Nnedi Okorafor.

I've been a fan of Nnedi Okorafor since Akata Witch and have read everything she's written since. Her skill at weaving complex characters, settings, and motivations are unparalleled - Death of the Author is no exception! The metafiction aspects were particularly riveting. If you're a fan of Afrofuturism and/or Ms. Okorafor, don't skip Death of the Author!

A beautiful book. A unique framing of a book within a book. This novel takes us behind the scenes of the very real world authorship and publishing, providing interesting commentary and insight, while still telling a bold speculative and fictional tale. We experience the story through a unique character who's choices and actions are far reaching. This book will stay on my mind for a while. Recommend!

This book will be added to my all time favorites. I loved the book within the book. While the main character, Zulu, wasn’t always likable, I couldn’t help but root for her. The rich setting and the deep bonds of a Nigerian family added so much depth to the story. It was impossible to put down, and the ending will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely mind blowing. This is Okorafor's best since Binti. I feel privileged to have read this full-length adult novel from her after so many novellas. Multi-layered, I loved how this was two novels in one; the first follows the protagonist Zelu and her life growing up as a Nigerian-American paraplegic woman, and the second is her sci-fi novel, Rusted Robots, which she publishes after years languishing as an unpublished adjunct creative writing professor. She is a complicated character who might be difficult to like for some, but I found her story riveting to read. A breathtaking mix of literary and science fiction, I immediately went out and bought it as soon as I finished my eARC.

The storytelling in this book is incredible. I absolutely loved the intermingling of the three distinct narrative styles- the interviews, Zelu's story, and Rusted Robots. Story-within-a-story is one of my favorite kinds of narratives but can be such a tricky balance but I was never disappointed to switch back to either story, and was honestly surprised how much I could never predict what was going to happen to Zelu next. I loved all of the interviews, I loved Ankara and Ijele, one of my favorite tiny details was the inclusion (and explanation) of Zelu's passwords, and I loved every time details from one of the narratives blurred into the other.

That said, I struggled a little bit with the ending. I loved the twist, but felt like it was missing a chapter or two to really be satisfying. But this book will stay with me for a long, long time, which is the important part, I think.

A must-read for anyone who loves:
Story-within-a-story narratives
Blended genres (lit fic meets sci-fi)
Never knowing what's going to happen next
Stories that center storytelling and the importance of stories

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

DNF at 28%

I read about 15% of the book and put it down. Didn't really feel like picking it back up. But I got the audio from the library and tried again. Sadly, I just don't think this is for me, and it's not what I was looking for or expecting. Way more family drama than sci-fi.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this. All opinions are my own.

This reads more like literary fiction than sci-fi, which makes for a unique, character-driven experience. The story deftly toggles between the main character’s life and the futuristic novel she’s writing, blending family themes and creative exploration in a way that feels fresh. If you enjoy immigrant family dynamics and a protagonist who rebels against expectations, you’ll be drawn to this book’s authenticity—especially since the main character’s bluntness makes her feel all the more real.

Though the satire on publishing and social media isn’t the central focus, the glimpses of it add thought-provoking depth, touching on fame, authorship, and the power of storytelling. Go in with an open mind, expecting more lit fic than sci-fi, and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by the rich layers and absorbing subplots.

Title: Death of an Author
By: Nnedi Okorafor
Pub. Date: January 14, 2024

Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Book inside Book, Disabilities, Robots

Favorite Quotes:
“Love who you love. Speak your truth. Be good and roll with life. You can’t have or control everything or everyone.”

“You don’t fight the ocean. You have to trust it to carry you. And once you do, you can be anything.”

“I know that here in the United States, such things are not understood. You all spin everything that is not familiar to you as either terrible or less than you. You only see things through your narrow lens and personal experiences. It is your weakness.”

Red Flags:
Several forms of discrimination, ableism, sexism, sexual content, rape, pregnancy, gaslighting, suicidal thoughts, death of parent

*Minimal sexual content, which I found unnecessary and skippable for my personal preference. Even with these few elements, I highly recommend this novel. I’m still thinking about it weeks later.

Summary:
Zelu has lost her job and needs to return home for her sister’s wedding. Her life has been upended and after years of unexpected challenges, Zelu is at a loss for what’s next. She is a single, disabled, and now unemployed, African woman who is uncertain what comes next. Wallowing in her self pity, Zelu decides to write, and before she knows it she has created a new manuscript. This is a science fiction novel, like nothing written before which includes humanity’s downfall with androids, and AI. What happens next is the unexpected twists and turns Zelu needs to come out on top! Highly Recommended!!!

Review:

Beautifully Original!

A novel like none other…

By far one of the hardest reviews I have written. It’s hard to put into words my feelings for this novel. As a reluctant science fiction reader, I was hesitant beginning it, not sure what to expect. However, I was absorbed in every page, and couldn’t stop reading. Okorafor skillfully crafts a narrative inside a narrative with engaging perfection. I quickly fell in love with Zelu, a protagonist struggling against overwhelming odds. This novel is deep, dark, and reflective. The author creates engrossing elements of human characteristics which grab the reader's attention all the way until the last page. Be prepared to be filled with empathy, compassion, and hope which will continue to linger in your mind weeks after reading the last page! Highly Recommended!!!

Thank you to Nnedi Okorafor, William Morrow, and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#NnediOkorafor
#WilliamMorrow
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

I had high expectations for this book. I chose it because it was being touted as an interesting new sci-fi book. But I didn’t like it and don’t recommend it. The main character was unlikeable, and she had a toxic family that was almost unbearable, so I was uncomfortable throughout most of the 448 page book. I was going to give this book two stars. Thankfully, there was a BIG, surprising twist at the end that redeemed it and changed the whole book, and now I’ll give it three stars. At least I feel a little better because of the unexpected ending.

I know others really enjoyed this book. I just didn’t.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Nnedi Okorafor, and William Morrow for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I stretched my comfort zone for this one and good thing I did, because it is stunning. A complex, dynamic protagonist leaps off the page from the earliest chapters. Around and through her Okorafor explores everything from identity, ability, family, AI and automation, culture, prejudice, fame, the online outrage machine, the power of storytelling... I'm probably missing so much. There's a lot of ground covered and a lot to think about.

The sci-fi element is on the light side, with much of the novel being more of a literary character study and family drama with a large cast of Yoruba, Igbo, and Nigerian-American relatives. I don't want to give too much away, but hopefully it's within bounds to share that this blurs the lines between reality and fiction...

I’ll admit—this one was way outside my usual comfort zone, but Death of the Author completely blew me away.

ZeI was rooting for Zelu from the jump as she navigated professional rejection, family pressures, and the reality of starting over. When she takes a leap and writes a sci-fi novel about androids and AI after humanity’s extinction, it kicks off a rollercoaster ride that’s both deeply personal and brilliantly speculative.

What I didn’t expect was how Okorafor masterfully blurred the line between fiction and reality. The tension between Zelu’s evolving life and the story had me questioning what tf is real, what’s imagined, and how much stories truly shape our world. If you’re even a little curious about a genre-bending read that’ll mess with your head, this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC in exchange for my review.

I tried really hard to like this book but it just wasn't for me. The chapters kept shifting between first person and third person which really threw me for a loop and the story within the story was not working at all. All the characters felt too immature, so I ended up DNFing at around the 20% mark.

Combo literary fiction and sci-fi. Beautiful story of love, hate, prejudice, family, disability, choice, and self-authorship. It wasnt the type of book I could consume - it was entertaining but not entertainment - if that makes sense. I think this is the kind of book I’d enjoy more in a book club where I can discuss the parts I loved, the parts I missed, and the parts I didn’t understand.

4.5 ⭐️

How can you not go 5🌟? Writing in two different genres simultaneously is the hallmark of an exceptional writer, and Ms. Okorafor is unquestionably that WRITER! The execution of this novel is fascinating.

Zelu is an amazing protagonist, an impressive imperfect improbable human being. She is “blessed” with a melodramatic family, who will frustrate readers with their lukewarm support of Zelu and her capriciousness.

Zelu had a traumatic childhood accident that left her without the use of her legs but strengthened her spirit and her resolve. She became a literary writing professor, and after displaying a bit too much honesty with her students, she is relieved of her post. Despite not being a science fiction fan, she starts writing a sci-fi novel, Rusted Robots, which becomes an international sensation. The novel is so far beyond Zelu’s dreams she gets to meet all kinds of people.

Her book is turned into a movie, though not one she particularly enjoys. The movie is as successful as the novel and turns her into an international celebrity.
There is some backlash to her success that is a surprise because it is something I never considered but my blind spot was artfully exposed through the deft storytelling that Nnedi Okorafor employs.

Through the magic of science Zelu is fitted with some exoskeleton legs which give her the ability to walk. Some fans see her as trying to bring her novel to true life and live out a sci-fi fantasy. The novel-in-novel device works well here because, again Ms. Okorafor is an exceedingly exceptional writer that has crafted an excellent exciting novel that I enthusiastically recommend! Get it!

A big thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow publishing for an advanced DRC. Book is available now!

Zelu is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants who became a paraplegic at age 12. An aspiring author, Zelu works as an adjunct professor while she submits her manuscripts to different publishers. But one terrible night she gets more rejections from her agent and is fired from her university job. Angry and grief stricken, Zelu writes a new novel, her first sci-fi book, and it becomes an instant success. Suddenly Zelu’s life is turned upside down as she gains literary stardom and new opportunities.

———-

When I finished this book, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel. Most of the novel leaned into the literary fiction side, as it included Zelu’s life, interviews with her family, and interspersed passages from her novel. While I was intrigued by Zelu’s story, I kept waiting for the sci-fi twist that was ramping up.

When the twist came, I felt underwhelmed and a little confused. This definitely felt like a book that I was just not smart enough to connect the dots into something cool.

I did enjoy the story of Zelu’s life- being a disabled Black woman whose family never truly understood her, who took risks and had courage. Her anger’s, fears, loves, hates, and passions kept me engaged in her story. And while the ultimate plot line and ending was not my cup of tea, you cannot deny that Nnedi Okorafor is a fantastic author.

February is Black History Month and I have a trio of books I want to put on your radar.

Good Dirt, by Charmaine Wilkerson is a compelling multigenerational drama that explores the legacy of trauma, resilience, and the strength we draw from understanding our past. Ebby Freeman has just been jilted at the altar by her fiancé, and when a friend offers her a job as a caretaker of her French B&B, she jumps at the chance. But as we all know we can’t run away from our problems. Ebby will have to face her fears, come to terms with the mystery of her brother’s death which she witnessed as a child, and find her own path in life.

Harlem Rhapsody is an engrossing historical fiction, by Victoria Christopher Murray, which tells the story of Jessie Fauset the first ever Black female literary editor and is a writer herself. Jessie was a driving force behind the success of W.E.B. Du Bois’ literary ventures, and was responsible for birthing some of the greatest literary talents, such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Jean Toomer, at the dawn of the Harlem Renaissance. It’s the story of an influential woman lost to history that deserves our recognition.

Death of the Author is a mindbending, genre blending, meta-fantasy written by the talented Nnedi Okorafor. Zelu finds herself at a crossroads when she is summarily fired from her university job and the novel she has been writing for 10 years is yet again rejected. With nothing to lose, she decides to write a novel like nothing she’s ever done before. The result, a best seller, Rusted Robots, set in a post-apocalyptic future populated by battling androids and sentient AI entities capable of infecting human minds. Things get interesting when the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur.


Let me know if you plan to add something to your BHM TBR.

My thanks to the authors, @RandomHouse, @BerkleyPublishing, @RandomHouse, and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading these novels before their release.

I knew going in this would be different from Okorafor’s usual books, but I am still wowed and in awe of her writing talent. To be able to weave together a main plot following Zelu, with the plot of Zelu’s story Rusted Robots all together with a series of interviews with Zelu’s friends and family was incredible. Despite having three different things going on, the whole story flowed so seamlessly. I love a story about a story and this delivered on that aspect.

And while this story may be a bit different from Okorafor’s usual type of story, it still had the same heart at its core. I loved Zelu as a character. Her anger as a professor is so justifiable and her ability to channel that into something so incredible as a story that the world could connect with was brilliant. Reading this story and how the world changes it for an adaptation was tragic and far too real, especially seeing that Zelu’s story and character names get a bit whitewashed (again, far too real).

Thank you to William Morrow and @netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

I'm in one of those places where I want to shout about what a miracle this book is, how people should read it, what we can experience and learn from it. But I also just want to quietly hand it over so each reader can have their own experience with it. I know my experience, but I don't know theirs. And I want their experience to be truly and completely their own.

This book is like the work of a remarkable tapestry-maker, bringing together fibres that seem so distinct from one another that the tapestry should be all clash and unease, but instead, under that tapestry-maker's hands it becomes a work in which each strand is essential.

Sorry if this is too metaphysical a review for you, but that's where Death of the Author took me. I encourage you to make your own journey through it. I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars rounded up

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. I was into it within the first few chapters. I liked seeing how Zelu dealt with everything she was going through. Her family for the most part was awful to her but she still did what she felt was right for her and I definitely appreciate her doing that. Learning about Nigerian culture was another thing I liked about this book. However, toward the end I felt like it dragged a little bit and I found myself not caring about what was going on. I think it started to feel a little repetitive with the family drama and I just lost interest.