David Bridges
Before diving into Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor, I had not encountered her work, but just a few pages in, I mentally committed to exploring her entire bibliography. Nnedi Okorafor is a visionary who introduced the term “Africanfuturism,” which refers to a unique subgenre of science fiction that is deeply embedded in African culture, history, mythology, and perspectives. This concept stands in contrast to the more common and America-centric Afrofuturism, highlighting the rich narratives that originate from the African continent and its diaspora.
Death of the Author brilliantly unfolds as a dual narrative, showcasing the journey of Nigerian American protagonist Zelu as she experiences a sudden surge of fame from her surprise bestseller, Rusted Robots. The novel intricately intertwines Zelu’s personal life with the fictional universe she creates, a future where humanity has vanished, leaving behind a society populated solely by robots and artificial intelligence. This clever structure invites readers to reflect on the relationship between authors and their creations.
At the story’s outset, Zelu, a disabled writer in her mid-30s, grapples with significant challenges in her personal and professional life. Her overnight success forces her to confront societal perceptions and the skepticism of those around her. As she navigates her newfound fame, she faces numerous obstacles, including the integration of advanced technologies like self-driving vehicles and an exoskeleton to enhance her mobility. The family dynamics portrayed in the narrative, set against a backdrop of transformative technological change, feel authentic and relatable. I found myself more captivated by the intricacies of Zelu’s real-life struggles than the events unfolding in Rusted Robots. However, every element serves a purpose, and the seamless integration of these two storylines enriches the overall experience, crafting a deeply immersive and thought-provoking narrative.
Daniel Mercer
