The
Book of Phoenix Nnedi
Okorafor
I heard of Okorafor upon listening to one of her
short stories being reason Levar Burton Reads podcast. It was part
fantasy, part "powerful, memorable, superhuman women", it
was all enjoyable. I approached this book with high expectations and
was not disappointed.
The Book of Phoenix is a unique work of magical
futurism- combining mythology, science and fantasy. It features the
rise of, what I guess is to be expected from Nnedi Okorafor, a
powerful, memorable, superhuman woman. Phoenix was grown and raised
among other genetic experiments in New York’s Tower 7. She is an
“accelerated woman”—she comes to a realization of who she is
and what she can accomplish and in so doing becomes 'the Phoenix
"that rises from the ash and changes ( redesigns) the world.
I think it foreshadows, part of what may be our
future if we do not address institutional racism, other legacy issues
that can arise in fighting the historic and ongoing exploitation of
those deemed "less".
An insightful, engaging and a contributing read in
my efforts to expand my understanding and treatment of others and
wrestling with institutional racism.
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