Scan barcode
amalas_bookstop's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely Amazing!!
Nigerian and Nigerian American representation: ✅
Paraplegic representation: ✅
Strong female characters: ✅
Robot representation: ✅
Nnedi writing is so eloquent, culturally relevant, and enthralling. These two novels in one spoke very well together. I don’t know if I enjoyed Zelu the but author or Ankarra the most.
I know it is early in the year to say this, but this might be in my personal top 10!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, and War
vixusg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rarely do I find a book that I truly have no criticism for. This is one of them.
I loved this book so much. I loved Zelu, Ankara & Ijele. I loved the parallels and clear passage of time and the development of technology in the background. I loved the transition of characters from human to robots and back. The story and the story within are peak science fiction. This explores all aspects of what it means to exist and live and love. Incredibly meta and extraordinary. And as a bonus, the female voice actor was also fantastic.
I loved this book so much. I loved Zelu, Ankara & Ijele. I loved the parallels and clear passage of time and the development of technology in the background. I loved the transition of characters from human to robots and back. The story and the story within are peak science fiction. This explores all aspects of what it means to exist and live and love. Incredibly meta and extraordinary. And as a bonus, the female voice actor was also fantastic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Alcohol
lyssylyssy's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Gun violence
Minor: Kidnapping
sarahbsews's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
tianas_littalk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Death of the Author alternates between Zelu's life of newfound success, her robot novel, and family interviews. Upon losing her job and facing rejection of her latest manuscript, Zelu initiates the writing of a science fiction novel centered on robots. Surprisingly, the book attains remarkable success.
Ordinarily, I'm not a fan of multiple POV shifts, but in this case, the narrative benefited from this approach. The interviews with Zelu's family members offered a nuanced understanding of her character, which was necessary given the dysfunctional nature of their relationships. I found their behavior towards her disturbing, but her growth and increasing assertiveness were admirable. The Rusted Robots chapters were enjoyable, although the shifts between storylines occasionally caused frustration. Nevertheless, I was fully invested in both narratives, which explored complex, yet intersecting conflicts and character arcs.
This novel is outstanding, weaving together a rich tapestry of themes and topics. It would be an excellent choice for a book club. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Ordinarily, I'm not a fan of multiple POV shifts, but in this case, the narrative benefited from this approach. The interviews with Zelu's family members offered a nuanced understanding of her character, which was necessary given the dysfunctional nature of their relationships. I found their behavior towards her disturbing, but her growth and increasing assertiveness were admirable. The Rusted Robots chapters were enjoyable, although the shifts between storylines occasionally caused frustration. Nevertheless, I was fully invested in both narratives, which explored complex, yet intersecting conflicts and character arcs.
This novel is outstanding, weaving together a rich tapestry of themes and topics. It would be an excellent choice for a book club. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
bookishllly's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Familial expectation wars against an author’s personal ambition in this mixed genre novel about a paraplegic Nigerian-American woman, Zelu.
I enjoyed the book even though it was long. Told from mainly Zelu’s POV and those of her family and friends, we are taken on Zelu’s impulsive, fearless and sometimes irrational journey as an author, adrenaline junkie, daughter, sister, friend and wife.
Embedded in this book is a symbolic and satirical story about the end of the world and robots taking over. I enjoyed the sci-fi bit but felt it ended abruptly just as the fictional part.
There were so many things the author took a swipe at- patriarchy, ableism, sexism, cancel culture, nationalism, family dynamics, dysfunctional relationships, social media culture and racism.
There was so much to pack in. The literary fiction part was believable with the characters relatable and interesting. The story of the robots also packed its punch.
This is an incredible masterpiece making three distinct parts of a book work together yet independently and seamlessly.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Death of parent
laios's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism