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Available
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Series
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Publication
Tor.com (2015), 98 pages
Description
Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs. Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach. If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself--but first she has to make it there, alive.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Larou
I am increasingly of the opinion that we are experiencing a renaissance of the SFF genre; a renaissance that was spearheaded a few years ago by authors like Elizabeth Bear, Jo Walton, Catherynne Valente and Susanna Clarke (to name but a few) and has led to a great number of fascinating authors
And, of course, Nnedi Okorafor, who has written several novels for children, adolescents and adults and gained some fame (and award nominations) with her novel Who Fears Death in 2010. While I’ve had my eyes on here for a while, Binti was not really what I had planned reading first; but I happened to stumble across it on Amazon, and as I liked the cover and it was comparatively cheap, and as it was also rather short (it’s part of the new line of novellas Tor.com is releasing, a project that looks very promising so far), I found I had bought and read it almost without noticing.
Well, not really, because it is hard to imagine how one would read Binti without noticing because it is such a vivid and colourful affair. It may be YA, as the protagonist is a teenager, the basic plot fairly simple and the ending just a bit too pat and frictionless (this the only real issue I had with the novella), but while I tend to be somewhat about that particular non-genre, in this case I did not care because Binti is just so irresistibly brilliant and utterly, jaw-droppingly awesome in the way it manages to apparently effortlessly to turn such a simple story into such dazzling a fireworks of language and ideas. And yes, I’m aware that I’m gushing, but that seems like the only adequate response to this novella which has such a freshness and transmits such enthusiasm that one could think Nnedi Okorafor had just invented the whole SF genre all on her own. I’d have to go back to the early novels of Samuel R. Delany to think of other works that left similarly exuberant.
And Okorafor’s writing does indeed share some traits with Delany’s – there is the colourful language, which may not be quite as metaphor-drenched as Delany’s but of a similar vividness; there is the incredible amount of original SFnal ideas both of them are throwing around like they possessed a never-emptying cornucopia of them; there is the multiple layering of their tales, which Delany often achieved by making his plots echo Greek mythology while Okorafor uses African myths and tradition (the Himba people Binti belongs to actually do exist, and they do use otjize) to add a resonance beyond the immediate story. But most of all, what both authors share is their sheer exuberance, the delight they take in their writing and their inventiveness and the joy they transmit to the reader. Not to be misunderstood – both Delany and Okorafor are quite unique in the way they write, and it would be impossible to mistake one for the other – Nnedi Okorofar is emphatically not anyone’s epigone but very much her own woman. And Binti will most certainly not be the last thing of her I have read. As it is both cheap and a short read, I strongly urge you to go out, buy and read it right away – trust me, you will thank me for it.
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popping up in recent years, authors like (to name but a few more) Hanna Rajaniemi, Genevieve Valentine, Nina Allan, Ann Leckie, Kameron Hurley, Octavia Cade, N.K. Jemisin.And, of course, Nnedi Okorafor, who has written several novels for children, adolescents and adults and gained some fame (and award nominations) with her novel Who Fears Death in 2010. While I’ve had my eyes on here for a while, Binti was not really what I had planned reading first; but I happened to stumble across it on Amazon, and as I liked the cover and it was comparatively cheap, and as it was also rather short (it’s part of the new line of novellas Tor.com is releasing, a project that looks very promising so far), I found I had bought and read it almost without noticing.
Well, not really, because it is hard to imagine how one would read Binti without noticing because it is such a vivid and colourful affair. It may be YA, as the protagonist is a teenager, the basic plot fairly simple and the ending just a bit too pat and frictionless (this the only real issue I had with the novella), but while I tend to be somewhat about that particular non-genre, in this case I did not care because Binti is just so irresistibly brilliant and utterly, jaw-droppingly awesome in the way it manages to apparently effortlessly to turn such a simple story into such dazzling a fireworks of language and ideas. And yes, I’m aware that I’m gushing, but that seems like the only adequate response to this novella which has such a freshness and transmits such enthusiasm that one could think Nnedi Okorafor had just invented the whole SF genre all on her own. I’d have to go back to the early novels of Samuel R. Delany to think of other works that left similarly exuberant.
And Okorafor’s writing does indeed share some traits with Delany’s – there is the colourful language, which may not be quite as metaphor-drenched as Delany’s but of a similar vividness; there is the incredible amount of original SFnal ideas both of them are throwing around like they possessed a never-emptying cornucopia of them; there is the multiple layering of their tales, which Delany often achieved by making his plots echo Greek mythology while Okorafor uses African myths and tradition (the Himba people Binti belongs to actually do exist, and they do use otjize) to add a resonance beyond the immediate story. But most of all, what both authors share is their sheer exuberance, the delight they take in their writing and their inventiveness and the joy they transmit to the reader. Not to be misunderstood – both Delany and Okorafor are quite unique in the way they write, and it would be impossible to mistake one for the other – Nnedi Okorofar is emphatically not anyone’s epigone but very much her own woman. And Binti will most certainly not be the last thing of her I have read. As it is both cheap and a short read, I strongly urge you to go out, buy and read it right away – trust me, you will thank me for it.
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LibraryThing member alanteder
The pro here was that it was terrific to have such a unique protagonist as 16-year-old Binti from the Namibian Himba people, who continues her people's custom of otzije red clay skin paste even in intergalactic space. The fantasy/sci-fi elements of astrolabes, harmonizers, edan stone etc. were all
The con was that the conflict between the Meduse race and others was too simplistic. It didn't seem to say much for the supposed smarts of the Oomza University that they would steal an alien bodypart/artifact for display in their museum and unknowingly start up an intergalactic war because of it. This is supposed to be the best University in the galaxy?
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intriguing setups in this origin story which is the first of a series.The con was that the conflict between the Meduse race and others was too simplistic. It didn't seem to say much for the supposed smarts of the Oomza University that they would steal an alien bodypart/artifact for display in their museum and unknowingly start up an intergalactic war because of it. This is supposed to be the best University in the galaxy?
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LibraryThing member Noeshia
I liked this story, but I have a problem. I'd really like it if the author spent some more time on the story. I don't mean that the world isn't well designed or anything like that, I mean that the story went too fast, and that I wasn't nestled into the vast universe it takes place in as well as I
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would like to be. I know what you're thinking, you mean that you wanted it to be a novel and not a novella? Yes, I do. I want to know Binti and her world better and the current format made it seem rushed. I would like to know more about her Himba life before she leaves for university. I'm going to pick up the next novella in the series and read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tsana
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor is a novella that was on my radar for a while, but particularly came to my attention when it was shortlisted for ALL THE AWARDS this year. I purchased it for being the most interesting-seeming novella on the Hugo shortlist.
Binti starts off as a lovely story about a young
The story of Binti's belonging — or not belonging — turns from a story of potential social awkwardness into one of survival when Binti is confronted by hostile aliens. I quite liked that Binti was physically changed by her traumatic and otherwise life-changing experience.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this shift in story, but it definitely made for an interesting read. In particular, the final resolution was not entirely expected, but was very satisfying. That said, I would've loved to have read the conversation Binti has just after the close of the novella! Perhaps if there are more stories set in the same world (which I have heard may be the case), we can find out how that played out.
I highly recommend Binti to all fans of science fiction, novellas, and stories about diverse cultures. It's not a long tale — I read it in a single sitting — but an engrossing and exciting one. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of Okorafor's work, which this was my example of.
4.5 / 5 stars
Binti starts off as a lovely story about a young
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woman with strong cultural ties stepping outside of her comfort zone and leaving her planet and her home for the first time. Leaving her family behind is difficult and she knows they will be angry with her for going. But she holds onto her heritage, taking her traditions with her when she leaves Earth. Although Binti begins as a story of adjusting to new experiences and being surrounded by new people, all of them from different cultures, it takes a sharp turn for the dire, partway through Binti's journey to university.The story of Binti's belonging — or not belonging — turns from a story of potential social awkwardness into one of survival when Binti is confronted by hostile aliens. I quite liked that Binti was physically changed by her traumatic and otherwise life-changing experience.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this shift in story, but it definitely made for an interesting read. In particular, the final resolution was not entirely expected, but was very satisfying. That said, I would've loved to have read the conversation Binti has just after the close of the novella! Perhaps if there are more stories set in the same world (which I have heard may be the case), we can find out how that played out.
I highly recommend Binti to all fans of science fiction, novellas, and stories about diverse cultures. It's not a long tale — I read it in a single sitting — but an engrossing and exciting one. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of Okorafor's work, which this was my example of.
4.5 / 5 stars
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
Read as part of the Hugo Voters' Packet.
Enjoyable YA space adventure with an engaging protagonist.
In this future, the Himba tribe of Namibia are an insular minority, looked down upon by the majority Khoush although the Himba have become specialized experts in math and 'harmonizing,' producing
Although the setup is both fun and fascinating, there were a few plot holes and the way things eventually worked out was too easy and simplistic, I thought.
My issues with the story:
1. 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.
2. On a related note, although yes, the professors at the Uni did both the right and the sensible thing by acceding to the terrorists' demands, it seems inconceivable that none of them would mention the slaughter of a boatload of their colleagues, some of whom would undoubtedly have been close friends, lovers, family... No grief or anger at their loss is shown - only a bit of anger at demands being made. Overall, the mass murder is treated like a quickly-forgotten no-big-deal.
3. Binti's skin treatment is revealed to be a cure-all to the alien Meduse race. Luckily, it turns out that the formula is not unique to Namibia; it can be produced elsewhere. However, no mention at all is made of the immediately obvious situation: if something you have is valuable to a warlike species, you and ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE are in deep danger. It never seems to occur to Binti that if she can't provide more of it, the Meduse would undoubtedly invade Namibia for it.
4. In a story this short, there's room for a limited number of unexplained and logically unlikely thingummies. We start out with one, the mysterious 'edan' that Binti found in the desert and uses as a good luck charm. It sure is convenient, when she's attacked, that her good luck charm turns out to be a mentally-powered force shield AND translation device! But, seeing as there wouldn't be much of a story if it wasn't, I can accept that. All the Meduse are appropriately shocked that she can suddenly communicate with them. However, that's kind of negated when later, it turns out that communication can ALSO be facilitated by a quick 'sting' that's actually some kind of DNA/blood transfusion... I think that having either the 'sting' or the 'edan' as a plot device, but not both, would've made the story stronger.
5. As one last minor point, I would've liked more on what 'harmonizing' is and how a math/engineering-related skill translates into negotiation skills. But that's mostly just because Binti's professional thought processes are interesting. I wanted to find out more about the 'astrolabes' she makes, too!
Enjoyable YA space adventure with an engaging protagonist.
In this future, the Himba tribe of Namibia are an insular minority, looked down upon by the majority Khoush although the Himba have become specialized experts in math and 'harmonizing,' producing
Show More
"astrolabes" (which seem to be the future's smartphones). Teenage Binti's skills have won her a coveted scholarship to an intergalactic university, but to her family, it is unthinkable that she would be permitted to leave her tribe and go. Unwilling to let her dreams die, Binti runs away and soon finds herself on a ship en route to Oomza Uni. Unfortunately, that ship is hijacked by alien terrorists.Although the setup is both fun and fascinating, there were a few plot holes and the way things eventually worked out was too easy and simplistic, I thought.
My issues with the story:
1. 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.
2. On a related note, although yes, the professors at the Uni did both the right and the sensible thing by acceding to the terrorists' demands, it seems inconceivable that none of them would mention the slaughter of a boatload of their colleagues, some of whom would undoubtedly have been close friends, lovers, family... No grief or anger at their loss is shown - only a bit of anger at demands being made. Overall, the mass murder is treated like a quickly-forgotten no-big-deal.
3. Binti's skin treatment is revealed to be a cure-all to the alien Meduse race. Luckily, it turns out that the formula is not unique to Namibia; it can be produced elsewhere. However, no mention at all is made of the immediately obvious situation: if something you have is valuable to a warlike species, you and ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE are in deep danger. It never seems to occur to Binti that if she can't provide more of it, the Meduse would undoubtedly invade Namibia for it.
4. In a story this short, there's room for a limited number of unexplained and logically unlikely thingummies. We start out with one, the mysterious 'edan' that Binti found in the desert and uses as a good luck charm. It sure is convenient, when she's attacked, that her good luck charm turns out to be a mentally-powered force shield AND translation device! But, seeing as there wouldn't be much of a story if it wasn't, I can accept that. All the Meduse are appropriately shocked that she can suddenly communicate with them. However, that's kind of negated when later, it turns out that communication can ALSO be facilitated by a quick 'sting' that's actually some kind of DNA/blood transfusion... I think that having either the 'sting' or the 'edan' as a plot device, but not both, would've made the story stronger.
5. As one last minor point, I would've liked more on what 'harmonizing' is and how a math/engineering-related skill translates into negotiation skills. But that's mostly just because Binti's professional thought processes are interesting. I wanted to find out more about the 'astrolabes' she makes, too!
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LibraryThing member sturlington
In the far future, Binti defies her tribe by leaving her home in Namibia to study at a prestigious university on a distant planet, but on the way, her ship is attacked by aliens.
I think this would have worked better if it hadn't been a novella. Okorafor's vision of the future, especially its
I think this would have worked better if it hadn't been a novella. Okorafor's vision of the future, especially its
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technology, is compelling and captured my imagination right away, but she doesn't go into enough detail to truly satisfy. Binti is an intriguing character, good at mathematics and "harmonizing," who stands apart because of her adherence to tribal customs, including covering herself in a paste made from red clay and flower oils, which turns out to have very special properties. Binti is the sole survivor of the attack on her spaceship by the jellyfish-like Meduse (other than a pilot, who is completely unseen and probably unnecessary). Her learning how to communicate with the aliens and coming to understand them deserves far deeper treatment, and her status as survivor doesn't get nearly enough attention, even though Okorafor has addressed similar themes in her other work. Conceived as part of a series of novellas that Tor is publishing, this story deserves a lot more depth than it gets, but it's still an interesting and quick read. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series, though. Show Less
LibraryThing member greeniezona
I've been hearing so much about Okorafor. When I stumbled on her books at the library, this tiny little volume was just too easy to pick up -- no matter the size of my to-read pile at home.
I both loved this story and struggled with it. So many things seemed inadequately explained or developed. In
The story seemed a little hurried in places, a little too easy. But there were a lot of things I did really like. I liked Binti's struggle to find belonging and identity as the only representative of her culture in a strange place. I sometimes quite liked the descriptions of her math abilities. I loved the way she did math to calm herself. I liked the descriptions of small comforts -- foods and smells of home that can make such a difference.
A mixed bag. But I liked enough that I will probably seek out Okorafor's writing again.
I both loved this story and struggled with it. So many things seemed inadequately explained or developed. In
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particular, I was frustrated by the nebulous astrolabe -- an object that seems to be used for communication and information storage. Later in the story it seems to also aid in navigation (it seems to be an all-purpose general computer?), but that use is not explained at first, and I was frustrated that Okorafor would choose a known word to describe an object that seems to have absolutely nothing in common with that object. I got over it, but it was an odd choice that broke my immersion in her world.The story seemed a little hurried in places, a little too easy. But there were a lot of things I did really like. I liked Binti's struggle to find belonging and identity as the only representative of her culture in a strange place. I sometimes quite liked the descriptions of her math abilities. I loved the way she did math to calm herself. I liked the descriptions of small comforts -- foods and smells of home that can make such a difference.
A mixed bag. But I liked enough that I will probably seek out Okorafor's writing again.
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
You know when someone tells a joke and everyone in the room cracks up, and you have no idea why it is funny? This won the Hugo, the Nebula and others, and its super popular here on GR. Nevertheless, this novella (and I use that word loosely) just did not land for me. This is a bit over a 2 hour
First issue, this did not feel like a novella, it felt like someone completed the first few chapters in a book, submitted them, and the publisher went with it. A novella can be part of a series, but it needs to tell a complete story, and this one did not.
Second issue, I didn't understand why (view spoiler)This moves the story, but seems unjustified.
Third issue, I know Binti is smart, because Binti keeps telling me she is smart. Other evidence would be welcome.
This may be reader error. I am not a fantasy reader, space operas always bore me to tears (I have never been able to watch more than 10 minutes of any Star Wars movie without falling asleep or leaving.) YMMV for sure.
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read, so its not much of an investment of time for those who have any interest. If this was a normal 300ish page book I don't think I would have finished.First issue, this did not feel like a novella, it felt like someone completed the first few chapters in a book, submitted them, and the publisher went with it. A novella can be part of a series, but it needs to tell a complete story, and this one did not.
Second issue, I didn't understand why (view spoiler)This moves the story, but seems unjustified.
Third issue, I know Binti is smart, because Binti keeps telling me she is smart. Other evidence would be welcome.
This may be reader error. I am not a fantasy reader, space operas always bore me to tears (I have never been able to watch more than 10 minutes of any Star Wars movie without falling asleep or leaving.) YMMV for sure.
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
Read as part of the Hugo Voters' Packet.
Enjoyable YA space adventure with an engaging protagonist.
In this future, the Himba tribe of Namibia are an insular minority, looked down upon by the majority Khoush although the Himba have become specialized experts in math and 'harmonizing,' producing
Although the setup is both fun and fascinating, there were a few plot holes and the way things eventually worked out was too easy and simplistic, I thought.
My issues with the story:
1. 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.
2. On a related note, although yes, the professors at the Uni did both the right and the sensible thing by acceding to the terrorists' demands, it seems inconceivable that none of them would mention the slaughter of a boatload of their colleagues, some of whom would undoubtedly have been close friends, lovers, family... No grief or anger at their loss is shown - only a bit of anger at demands being made. Overall, the mass murder is treated like a quickly-forgotten no-big-deal.
3. Binti's skin treatment is revealed to be a cure-all to the alien Meduse race. Luckily, it turns out that the formula is not unique to Namibia; it can be produced elsewhere. However, no mention at all is made of the immediately obvious situation: if something you have is valuable to a warlike species, you and ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE are in deep danger. It never seems to occur to Binti that if she can't provide more of it, the Meduse would undoubtedly invade Namibia for it.
4. In a story this short, there's room for a limited number of unexplained and logically unlikely thingummies. We start out with one, the mysterious 'edan' that Binti found in the desert and uses as a good luck charm. It sure is convenient, when she's attacked, that her good luck charm turns out to be a mentally-powered force shield AND translation device! But, seeing as there wouldn't be much of a story if it wasn't, I can accept that. All the Meduse are appropriately shocked that she can suddenly communicate with them. However, that's kind of negated when later, it turns out that communication can ALSO be facilitated by a quick 'sting' that's actually some kind of DNA/blood transfusion... I think that having either the 'sting' or the 'edan' as a plot device, but not both, would've made the story stronger.
5. As one last minor point, I would've liked more on what 'harmonizing' is and how a math/engineering-related skill translates into negotiation skills. But that's mostly just because Binti's professional thought processes are interesting. I wanted to find out more about the 'astrolabes' she makes, too!
Enjoyable YA space adventure with an engaging protagonist.
In this future, the Himba tribe of Namibia are an insular minority, looked down upon by the majority Khoush although the Himba have become specialized experts in math and 'harmonizing,' producing
Show More
"astrolabes" (which seem to be the future's smartphones). Teenage Binti's skills have won her a coveted scholarship to an intergalactic university, but to her family, it is unthinkable that she would be permitted to leave her tribe and go. Unwilling to let her dreams die, Binti runs away and soon finds herself on a ship en route to Oomza Uni. Unfortunately, that ship is hijacked by alien terrorists.Although the setup is both fun and fascinating, there were a few plot holes and the way things eventually worked out was too easy and simplistic, I thought.
My issues with the story:
1. 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.
2. On a related note, although yes, the professors at the Uni did both the right and the sensible thing by acceding to the terrorists' demands, it seems inconceivable that none of them would mention the slaughter of a boatload of their colleagues, some of whom would undoubtedly have been close friends, lovers, family... No grief or anger at their loss is shown - only a bit of anger at demands being made. Overall, the mass murder is treated like a quickly-forgotten no-big-deal.
3. Binti's skin treatment is revealed to be a cure-all to the alien Meduse race. Luckily, it turns out that the formula is not unique to Namibia; it can be produced elsewhere. However, no mention at all is made of the immediately obvious situation: if something you have is valuable to a warlike species, you and ALL OF YOUR PEOPLE are in deep danger. It never seems to occur to Binti that if she can't provide more of it, the Meduse would undoubtedly invade Namibia for it.
4. In a story this short, there's room for a limited number of unexplained and logically unlikely thingummies. We start out with one, the mysterious 'edan' that Binti found in the desert and uses as a good luck charm. It sure is convenient, when she's attacked, that her good luck charm turns out to be a mentally-powered force shield AND translation device! But, seeing as there wouldn't be much of a story if it wasn't, I can accept that. All the Meduse are appropriately shocked that she can suddenly communicate with them. However, that's kind of negated when later, it turns out that communication can ALSO be facilitated by a quick 'sting' that's actually some kind of DNA/blood transfusion... I think that having either the 'sting' or the 'edan' as a plot device, but not both, would've made the story stronger.
5. As one last minor point, I would've liked more on what 'harmonizing' is and how a math/engineering-related skill translates into negotiation skills. But that's mostly just because Binti's professional thought processes are interesting. I wanted to find out more about the 'astrolabes' she makes, too!
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LibraryThing member pwaites
This YA science fiction novella and I didn’t hit it off, even though it has some interesting ideas within it.
Binti is the first of the Himba, a scientifically and mathematically gifted but inward focused people, to be accepted into Oomza University, a galactic center of learning. She runs away
I’ve considered a lot of different reasons why this novella may not have worked for me. Possibly it was the length. I feel like Binti would have been better suited compressed into a short story or expanded into a novel. It also felt repetitive in places and a tad simplistic.
Another problem was that Binti’s most significant choice in the novella – her decision to leave her entire family to go to university – was seen mostly in flashbacks at the beginning of the book. Sure, other stuff happened on the spacecraft, but it was mostly the result of Binti being the right person in the right place and less of her making any actual decisions.
On the bright side, the prose was good. There were a lot of world building ideas that were interesting, such as the organic space ships. I liked Binti’s facilities with math.
I wouldn’t say the novella’s bad as such. It just doesn’t mange to be any better than “okay,” and as such I probably won’t be recommending it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
Binti is the first of the Himba, a scientifically and mathematically gifted but inward focused people, to be accepted into Oomza University, a galactic center of learning. She runs away
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from her family to join the stars, and along the way, the spacecraft she’s on is attacked by an alien race.I’ve considered a lot of different reasons why this novella may not have worked for me. Possibly it was the length. I feel like Binti would have been better suited compressed into a short story or expanded into a novel. It also felt repetitive in places and a tad simplistic.
Another problem was that Binti’s most significant choice in the novella – her decision to leave her entire family to go to university – was seen mostly in flashbacks at the beginning of the book. Sure, other stuff happened on the spacecraft, but it was mostly the result of Binti being the right person in the right place and less of her making any actual decisions.
On the bright side, the prose was good. There were a lot of world building ideas that were interesting, such as the organic space ships. I liked Binti’s facilities with math.
I wouldn’t say the novella’s bad as such. It just doesn’t mange to be any better than “okay,” and as such I probably won’t be recommending it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
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LibraryThing member bell7
At 16, Binti has never been away from home. But as the first of her people to be admitted to Oozma Uni, the premier college in the galaxy, she knows she has to take this chance, and runs away in order to do it.
The setting is futuristic and involves space travel and alien species, but the central
The setting is futuristic and involves space travel and alien species, but the central
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problem is very human - how do you communicate with people and cultures so very different from your own? This short novella can easily be read in a sitting, but it will stick with you longer than that. I immediately put the following two books featuring Binti on hold. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jayeless
I thought this novella had a unique and interesting setting. The part of the story about Binti leaving home (secretly, because she knows it would enrage her family) and trying to cling on to her people's traditions in a part of the galaxy where she's the only one of her people there, that was How do you just gloss over the mass murder of 150 people because whoops, it was all just a big miscommunication? If you wanted the Meduse to do something REALLY BAD but not unforgivable, it should have been something like damaging the ship catastrophically but the heroes fixed it just in time so that no one died. The way the book actually played out, I never got the impression that Binti gave a crap about her 6–8 “friends” (who she introduced all in one line anyway, and never really distinguished before they all suddenly died), and that's why she got over it so fast that they were all murdered. Just a big WTF that ruined what was otherwise a pretty intriguing set-up.
At this point, I'm torn between wanting to read the follow-up novellas to see if Okorafor does something more worthwhile with the setting, and wanting to NOT read them because I'm not convinced she will and I feel like I'll end up just as let down as I was with this. It's a shame because it really was such a rich and promising setting.
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interesting. But overall, I felt like this book was rushed and inflicted emotional whiplash so strongly that I just disconnected from the story. At this point, I'm torn between wanting to read the follow-up novellas to see if Okorafor does something more worthwhile with the setting, and wanting to NOT read them because I'm not convinced she will and I feel like I'll end up just as let down as I was with this. It's a shame because it really was such a rich and promising setting.
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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
I have to admit that while I enjoyed the climax and the lead-up to it, this story ultimately left me thinking: Stockholm syndrome.
I'll further admit I plan on reading more about Binti to see if her continuing story addresses any of this.
I'll be steering clear of spoilers until then.
I'll further admit I plan on reading more about Binti to see if her continuing story addresses any of this.
I'll be steering clear of spoilers until then.
LibraryThing member krau0098
Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Binti series. The Binti series is a trilogy of novellas. I borrowed a copy of this on audiobook from my library.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this short sci-fi novella. Okorafor manages to create characters with a rich history in short page space,
Binti sneaks away from her home to go to Oomza University, she is the first of her people (the Himba) to be offered a place at the elite University. However, her people do not leave the home world and her people are against her going. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned. Binti's ship is attached by the Meduse (an alien race) and she must her both her wits and compassion to survive to actually make it to Oomza University.
This was an incredibly well done novella. It does an amazing job building a complete world and intriguing characters in a very small page space. I enjoyed how the Himba culture integrated high technology together with thoughtfulness and mental wellness; it's a much more holistic approach to science fiction than you normally see. I also really enjoyed how the story progressed and how Binti resolved the issues with the Meduse. Things are wrapped up nicely here but I am eager to read more about this world.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this first book in the Binti series. I enjoyed the unique world and Binti as a character. I also loved how the plot progressed and wrapped up. I am eager to read more books in this series. Previous to reading this book I read Okorafor's book "Akata Witch" and thought it was okay but not great. I would recommend this for people looking for a shorter sci-fi space opera type read. It has a unique world and Binti's culture is intriguing. There is some action but also a lot of thoughtfulness as well.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this short sci-fi novella. Okorafor manages to create characters with a rich history in short page space,
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there is a lot of suspense here and I grew to like the main character very quickly.Binti sneaks away from her home to go to Oomza University, she is the first of her people (the Himba) to be offered a place at the elite University. However, her people do not leave the home world and her people are against her going. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned. Binti's ship is attached by the Meduse (an alien race) and she must her both her wits and compassion to survive to actually make it to Oomza University.
This was an incredibly well done novella. It does an amazing job building a complete world and intriguing characters in a very small page space. I enjoyed how the Himba culture integrated high technology together with thoughtfulness and mental wellness; it's a much more holistic approach to science fiction than you normally see. I also really enjoyed how the story progressed and how Binti resolved the issues with the Meduse. Things are wrapped up nicely here but I am eager to read more about this world.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this first book in the Binti series. I enjoyed the unique world and Binti as a character. I also loved how the plot progressed and wrapped up. I am eager to read more books in this series. Previous to reading this book I read Okorafor's book "Akata Witch" and thought it was okay but not great. I would recommend this for people looking for a shorter sci-fi space opera type read. It has a unique world and Binti's culture is intriguing. There is some action but also a lot of thoughtfulness as well.
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LibraryThing member nmele
A few months back, I raved about "Lagoon" and wanted to read more of Okorafor's work. I just finished reading Binti, a novella really but one of the most imaginative and complex short works I've ever read. In 80-some pages, Okorafor deals with the hardship of leaving one's family to pursue one's
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dream, war, cultural clashes and self-sacrifice. Great book! Show Less
LibraryThing member imyril
I tend to like lush, rich prose that envelops me as a reader and sucks me in emotionally. There's none of that here, Okorafor writing sparsely - almost clinically in places - with a detachment that echoes the themes of isolation and (literal) alienation. Young Binti is a genius, a daughter of an
While I never really warmed to the story, Binti's emotional journey and her physical responses felt authentic, and I had to admire her perseverance. Her realisation that she has excluded herself from even her own people - both by her decision to go to Oomza and by the consequences of her association with the Meduse - was an emotional beat I wasn't expecting, and is a heart-breaking conclusion for a story that revolves around being an outsider (although the story ends on a more hopeful note).
Heradoption by Okwu also balances this out, although (inevitably) I was a little dismayed by a plot point that essentially makes physical penetration and physical/chemical change without (informed) consent an acceptable action. I don't think Okorafor was trying to draw any analogies to rape or medical ethics here, and it's worth noting that the action is in no way sexual - but both parallels are there, not least as Okwu is male (which did at least have me read up on whether jellyfish have separate genders: yes, they do). So, err, awkward. But hey, it all works out okay, right? ...except for that bit where we're genuinely unclear at the end of the story whether her family will ever talk to her again now she has alien hair .
This is a story about doing the right thing regardless of the personal costs, which doesn't shy away from acknowledging that it's a personal choice - and that not everyone may share your perspective. Binti know her decision to leave home will be considered selfish by her family; all the consequences that come from that only increase the gulf she will need to overcome to repair those relationships (if indeed she can). Put this firmly in the context of elites / majorities finding themselves beholden to someone they would rather look down on and this is a very long way indeed from your typical teen / YA story about using your innate awesomeness to become a big gorram hero.
It's good, thought-provoking stuff, but it doesn't leave me rushing to pick up Lagoon, which I've had my eye on for some time.
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isolated tribe that holds itself apart from the world. When she is invited - the first of her people - to take a place at Oomza University, the foremost place of learning in the galaxy, she sneaks out to accept it, knowing her people will disapprove. Although she encounters cultural snobbery on her travels, she is accepted by her fellow students and thrives until a powerful alien species attacks their transport ship and she must fight for not only her survival, but that of all at the University.While I never really warmed to the story, Binti's emotional journey and her physical responses felt authentic, and I had to admire her perseverance. Her realisation that she has excluded herself from even her own people - both by her decision to go to Oomza and by the consequences of her association with the Meduse - was an emotional beat I wasn't expecting, and is a heart-breaking conclusion for a story that revolves around being an outsider (although the story ends on a more hopeful note).
Her
This is a story about doing the right thing regardless of the personal costs, which doesn't shy away from acknowledging that it's a personal choice - and that not everyone may share your perspective. Binti know her decision to leave home will be considered selfish by her family; all the consequences that come from that only increase the gulf she will need to overcome to repair those relationships (if indeed she can). Put this firmly in the context of elites / majorities finding themselves beholden to someone they would rather look down on and this is a very long way indeed from your typical teen / YA story about using your innate awesomeness to become a big gorram hero.
It's good, thought-provoking stuff, but it doesn't leave me rushing to pick up Lagoon, which I've had my eye on for some time.
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LibraryThing member AngelaJMaher
The writing style wasn't one I fell into naturally, but it has a deceptive simplicity that makes this extraordinary story seem entirely plausible. Many unexpected plot twists, amazing characters, and a unique story make this a novella you should put on your TBR list.
LibraryThing member MaowangVater
Sixteen-year-old Binti is leaving home without her family’s blessings. Because of her mathematical skills she’s been given a full scholarship to Oomaz Uni, the most prestigious university in the galaxy. But it means she has to leave home, abandon the family astrolabe making business, and leave
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her life on Earth completely behind. It doesn’t help that she’s the only member of the Himba people waiting to board the starship to Oomaz Uni. The people around her don’t like the way she looks with her strange dress and her skin and hair covered in reddish otijze paste. She hears their remarks about “dirt bathers,” and worse. But the prejudice of her fellow humans will be nothing compared with the aliens she will encounter on her journey. It’s a journey that will leave her only one of two survivors. Show Less
LibraryThing member lycomayflower
Sci-fi novella about a young Himba woman who defies her family to leave home and study at the best university in the galaxy. And then things happen en route and the story turns into something else, something about prejudice and imperialism and colonialism and diplomacy and agency. I really really
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like what Okorafor did here thematically, I liked what the novella was *about*, but I was not at all taken with it as a story. It felt somewhat flat and without narrative drive. I did spend a good deal of time reading about the Himba peoples and various Eurpean awfullnesses in Namibia, and that was fascinating, important history I otherwise might not have come across. So I'm happy to have read the book because it prompted me to do that. I have a number of Okorafor's other books on my TBR, and I'm hoping I'll enjoy those more fully. Show Less
LibraryThing member kateprice88
I was pretty excited when I finally got my copy in this book. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor is a beautifully written, captivating novella that has won both the Nebula and Hugo awards. It’s been on my radar for quite some time, and, finally, I’ve gotten a chance to read it.
You've probably heard of
In this novella, Binti, our main character, has been accepted to Oomza University, the finest university the galaxy has to offer. Not only that, but she’ll be going there on an academic scholarship. Only, accepting the offer will mean giving up everything – her home, her family, all of it. On the way the university, the ship is attacked by Meduse – a warlike creature feared throughout the universe.
The story is quite short, coming in at just under one hundred pages. Despite this, it is quite powerful. It begins after Binti leaves home and begins the long journey to Oomza University. The story is told in third person, from Binti’s point of view.
There is something magical in Okorafor’s characters, the main character not least of all. Binti is a very wonderful, very well rounded character. She is torn at once between her family and the history of her people, and the greater world beyond. Binti is smart – she thinks in terms of numbers and math. It’s wonderful to see a character so blatantly brilliant in so many facets. Yet, Binti is still quite human, walking a tight line between the beliefs and traditions of her people and science. She still gets scared. She still gets
This extends to the side characters and minor characters as well. The strangers Binti passes on her way to the ship and those she meets once aboard feel very real despite only having a few lines dedicated to them. I grew quite fond of several characters despite their brief appearances.
The world Okorafor builds is extended this same care, too.
Despite this book being one in a series, two of which have already been published, it most definitely feels like a complete story. Binti can absolutely be read as a standalone novel, require no further commitment from the reader. The characters are so rich, Binti such a likeable character, and the writing so atmospheric I dare you not to want to read more.
Now, as with most short fiction, the messages and ideas conveyed in the work are bit more blatant than perhaps found in longer fiction. I have no problems with this, but it is something to keep in mind for those who feel differently.
There is a lot to love about Binti by Nnedi Okorafor. It’s at once a tale of a young woman leaving her whole world behind and beginning something entirely new, and a tense, more traditional science fiction novel. If you like stories featuring non-typical main characters, science fiction, and novellas, definitely pick this one up. If you don’t like shorter stories, like a bit more in the way of subplots, or aren’t a fan of science fiction this may not be the book for you.
You've probably heard of
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this book, but what's it about, exactly?In this novella, Binti, our main character, has been accepted to Oomza University, the finest university the galaxy has to offer. Not only that, but she’ll be going there on an academic scholarship. Only, accepting the offer will mean giving up everything – her home, her family, all of it. On the way the university, the ship is attacked by Meduse – a warlike creature feared throughout the universe.
The story is quite short, coming in at just under one hundred pages. Despite this, it is quite powerful. It begins after Binti leaves home and begins the long journey to Oomza University. The story is told in third person, from Binti’s point of view.
There is something magical in Okorafor’s characters, the main character not least of all. Binti is a very wonderful, very well rounded character. She is torn at once between her family and the history of her people, and the greater world beyond. Binti is smart – she thinks in terms of numbers and math. It’s wonderful to see a character so blatantly brilliant in so many facets. Yet, Binti is still quite human, walking a tight line between the beliefs and traditions of her people and science. She still gets scared. She still gets
This extends to the side characters and minor characters as well. The strangers Binti passes on her way to the ship and those she meets once aboard feel very real despite only having a few lines dedicated to them. I grew quite fond of several characters despite their brief appearances.
The world Okorafor builds is extended this same care, too.
Despite this book being one in a series, two of which have already been published, it most definitely feels like a complete story. Binti can absolutely be read as a standalone novel, require no further commitment from the reader. The characters are so rich, Binti such a likeable character, and the writing so atmospheric I dare you not to want to read more.
Now, as with most short fiction, the messages and ideas conveyed in the work are bit more blatant than perhaps found in longer fiction. I have no problems with this, but it is something to keep in mind for those who feel differently.
There is a lot to love about Binti by Nnedi Okorafor. It’s at once a tale of a young woman leaving her whole world behind and beginning something entirely new, and a tense, more traditional science fiction novel. If you like stories featuring non-typical main characters, science fiction, and novellas, definitely pick this one up. If you don’t like shorter stories, like a bit more in the way of subplots, or aren’t a fan of science fiction this may not be the book for you.
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LibraryThing member fred_mouse
* Review contains spoilers*
Tiny little book, took me ages to read because the middle section is really creepy. Young woman leaves home precipitously in order to attend university. Set somewhere in the far future, the university is some days travel through space. And then pirates, of a sort.
Tiny little book, took me ages to read because the middle section is really creepy. Young woman leaves home precipitously in order to attend university. Set somewhere in the far future, the university is some days travel through space. And then pirates, of a sort.
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Binti is the first of the Himba people ever to be accepted at Oomza University, the finest university in the galaxy. But in order to take advantage of the scholarship, she’ll have to leave her family, her village, her entire way of life, and travel among strangers (her fellow students) who
This is a coming-of-age story, an adventure, a buddy road-trip, and a space opera all in one small package. I loved Binti. She’s resourceful, mentally and physically strong, a loyal friend, a compassionate person, and a canny negotiator. I loved the way that she slowly developed a relationship with Okwu, the young Meduse warrior (?), carefully observing and strategically offering information and help once she understood the issue.
Science fiction is not my favorite genre (understatement), but I might read more of this series.
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neither understand nor respect her traditions. This is a coming-of-age story, an adventure, a buddy road-trip, and a space opera all in one small package. I loved Binti. She’s resourceful, mentally and physically strong, a loyal friend, a compassionate person, and a canny negotiator. I loved the way that she slowly developed a relationship with Okwu, the young Meduse warrior (?), carefully observing and strategically offering information and help once she understood the issue.
Science fiction is not my favorite genre (understatement), but I might read more of this series.
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LibraryThing member DarthDeverell
"I am Binti Ekeopara Zuzu Dambu Kaipka of Namib" (pg. 31). So says the heroine of Nnedi Okorafor's novella, Binti, when faced with aliens known only for their murderous past as she becomes the first of her people to cross the galaxy, a break from her culture's ways while she simultaneously draws
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upon it for strength. Okorafor's writing packs more high-concept science fiction into ninety pages than some authors accomplish over entire series. Not only does Okorafor ground Western readers in the Namibian culture in an organic manner that adds drama to her protagonist's story, she also explores cultural contacts and the conflicts that often accompany those meetings in a way that evokes the best of thought-provoking sci-fi. It's clear why this novella won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards and, having finished it, I immediately purchased the sequel, Binti: Home. Show Less
LibraryThing member BefuddledPanda
I think this is a 3.5 stars for me. Interesting concept and premise but didn't wow me. I would read a sequel though.
LibraryThing member quondame
Another super-special girl runs away to have opportunities and survives by luck and unique abilities.
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Novella — 2016)
Nebula Award (Nominee — Novella — 2015)
Locus Award (Finalist — Novella — 2016)
Chesley Award (Nominee — 2016)
Mathical Book Prize (Honor Title — 2019)
British Fantasy Award (Nominee — Novella — 2016)
British Science Fiction Association Award (Shortlist — Short Fiction — 2015)
Nommo Award (Winner — Novella — 2017)
Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (Selection — 2017)
Language
Original publication date
2015
ISBN
9780765384461