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whooperswan's review against another edition
5.0
My first foray into Afrofuturist fiction (if you ignore watching Black Panther). It was sublime!
sarahetc's review against another edition
4.0
Just up front: I selected this book because I liked the cover-- that bubble looks pregnant and ominous. Then I read the first chapter and got very hell yeah because who does not want to read a story about a vengeful swordfish using alien technology to become a giant avenging monster?! But that's not really what the story is about. It's just one of the few chapters Okorafor sprinkles through the story that give it body and heft and make what might be a standard sort of sci-fi adventure so much richer.
Lagoon is the story of aliens, who make contact in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. It's a city built on islands in the sea, hence imbued with extra energy, something different and special. The ocean calls out to Adaora, Anthony, and Agu who all walk toward, and accept even with reservation, that they will be the vanguard of a new human fate. Snatched by a fist of the ocean, complete with sonic boom, they return to the surface with the ambassador of the aliens, named by Adaora, "Ayodele." She is a shapeshifter and that's just the start.
The story is well-paced and, though full of what you might think of as "alien invasion" tropes, not exactly predictable. Okorafor's three main characters work together and split up several times, roping in and casting off secondary and tertiary characters whose plots enhance the main story, for the most part, although sometimes gum up the pace. She writes in English and a couple different English pidgins, which is exciting and goes a long way to helping the reader to keep track of the different threads and narrators.
There was an abrupt shift about three-quarters of the way through the book where Okorafor changed from direct character narration to a meta narration by the spirit Udide, the spider/weaver to tells all tales. After this point, the main narrative was interspersed with one-off short stories that pulled in the West African folktale pantheon, including Anansi, Legba, MamiWata, and others. It was jarring, but only because each seemed worth more than a few pages. I can only hope Okorafor develops this further in other novels. Or maybe she already has-- this was my first encounter with her.
So a spoiler-free recommendation for a non-traditional sci-fi adventure, with overtones of fiction-of-science, magical realism, and large-scale mythologizing.
Lagoon is the story of aliens, who make contact in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. It's a city built on islands in the sea, hence imbued with extra energy, something different and special. The ocean calls out to Adaora, Anthony, and Agu who all walk toward, and accept even with reservation, that they will be the vanguard of a new human fate. Snatched by a fist of the ocean, complete with sonic boom, they return to the surface with the ambassador of the aliens, named by Adaora, "Ayodele." She is a shapeshifter and that's just the start.
The story is well-paced and, though full of what you might think of as "alien invasion" tropes, not exactly predictable. Okorafor's three main characters work together and split up several times, roping in and casting off secondary and tertiary characters whose plots enhance the main story, for the most part, although sometimes gum up the pace. She writes in English and a couple different English pidgins, which is exciting and goes a long way to helping the reader to keep track of the different threads and narrators.
There was an abrupt shift about three-quarters of the way through the book where Okorafor changed from direct character narration to a meta narration by the spirit Udide, the spider/weaver to tells all tales. After this point, the main narrative was interspersed with one-off short stories that pulled in the West African folktale pantheon, including Anansi, Legba, MamiWata, and others. It was jarring, but only because each seemed worth more than a few pages. I can only hope Okorafor develops this further in other novels. Or maybe she already has-- this was my first encounter with her.
So a spoiler-free recommendation for a non-traditional sci-fi adventure, with overtones of fiction-of-science, magical realism, and large-scale mythologizing.
mindthegap92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
fricka's review against another edition
2.0
This may be the rare time I would have preferred it if it wasn't in audiobook.
wirt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.75
Okorafor brings to life a brilliantly fantastical world under the water in Lagos, Nigeria, crafting a magical yet jaw clenching story. Ayodele is an alien creature who comes as an ambassador for her kind after they land in the water off Bar Beach in Lagos, and three perfect strangers meet with her there.
From this point on, the city is in pure, unadulterated chaos, and Okorafor takes us from scene to scene fluidly, flowing between the character's POV and the unique POVs of many other creatures. Lagoon is both enchanting and horrifying in all its parts, a real adventure from beginning to end.
From this point on, the city is in pure, unadulterated chaos, and Okorafor takes us from scene to scene fluidly, flowing between the character's POV and the unique POVs of many other creatures. Lagoon is both enchanting and horrifying in all its parts, a real adventure from beginning to end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Blood
washed_guapi_lee's review against another edition
5.0
Seriously one of the most unique and coolest books I've ever read.
litprof's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Imaginative, engaging story, with well-developed distinctive characters and strong narrative action. I loved the sea creatures, how they and the aliens respond to humans, and the critiques of human psychology, religion, and corruption which may have been set in Lagos, yet seem universal. Without giving anything away, I'll say there was one subtle through-line that makes the magical realism elements possible and even more mysterious in the resolution, and that Adaora's inner desires we learn late in the book make her incredibly lovable.
sball22's review against another edition
3.0
Yes science fiction can subvert technological determinism and include mythology but personally I get confused .
thinkspink's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this. The blend of sci-fi, magic and modern day Lagos is irresistible. And despite the craziness, I really want to visit Lagos now.