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Noor

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Who Would Like This Book:

Packed with Afrofuturist flair and set in a vividly imagined near-future Nigeria, this is a quick, immersive read with a refreshingly original setting. Fans of speculative fiction and those looking for non-Western perspectives in sci-fi will have a lot to enjoy here. The protagonist, a bionic woman navigating both technology and tradition, is compelling, and Okorafor's knack for sensory detail really pulls you into the world. If you love conspiracy theories, stories about corporate-run futures, or are simply a fan of Okorafor's previous works, this one's for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers felt the plot moved too fast and wished for deeper world-building or more developed backstories, especially for the main characters and the antagonist corporation. Others found the technological explanations a bit clunky or thought the story struggled to decide if it should be a novella or a full-blown novel. If you prefer sprawling, detailed sci-fi with intricate world-building and multiple perspectives, this might not fully scratch that itch.

A short, striking piece of Afrofuturism perfect for those who crave fresh sci-fi voices and ideas, but may leave you wishing for a bit more depth in world and character development.

About:

'Noor' by Nnedi Okorafor is an Africanfuturism science fiction novel set in a near future Nigeria. The story follows a young bionic woman named Noor who discovers something extraordinary about herself through a journey filled with futuristic technology, Nigerian culture, and unexpected plot twists. The writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and rich in descriptions that make the reader feel fully absorbed in the story.

Characters:

Characters include a bionic woman and her co-protagonist, offering depth and complexity, though further development might enhance the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by engaging and immersive prose with vivid descriptions that enhance the reader's experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents a future world influenced by corporate power through the experiences of a bionic protagonist, delving into self-discovery and societal challenges.

Setting:

The setting takes place in a near-future Nigeria, rich with cultural elements and detailed descriptions that bring the environment to life.

Pacing:

Pacing received mixed reviews, with some suggesting it could have benefitted from a tighter structure, while others enjoyed the linear storytelling.
It was late when I got home. I switched the light on in my bedroom and a startled gecko rushed up my wall and tried to hide near the ceiling. “Oh, not today,” I muttered. Then I spent the next hour tr...

Notes:

The book is titled 'Noor' and is written by Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor.
It features a protagonist who is a young bionic woman.
The story is set in a near-future Nigeria, depicting a world run by corporations.
Readers find the ideas intriguing but feel the pacing could be faster.
Some felt the story could have been a novella due to its length and pacing issues.
There is a mix of perspectives and elements from Nigerian culture and mythology.
The book is labeled as both Afrofuturism and speculative fiction, rather than traditional sci-fi.
Okorafor's writing style is described as engaging, making readers want to finish the book quickly.
Some readers noted the description of scents helped create an immersive experience.
The story's climax was regarded as enjoyable by many readers.
There are mentions of 'solar punk' themes within the narrative.
The main character discovers something extraordinary about herself.
Overall, the writing has drawn comparisons to other works like 'Station Eleven' and 'The Road'.
Readers have praised Okorafor for bringing rich, non-western stories to a wider audience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Medium content warnings for themes related to corporate control, technology's impact on identity, and possible environmental issues.

From The Publisher:

From Africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO. To her, these initials have always stood for Artificial Organism. AO has never really felt...natural, and that's putting it lightly. Her parents spent most of the days before she was born praying for her peaceful passing because even in-utero she was "wrong". But she lived. Then came the car accident years later that disabled her even further. Yet instead of viewing her strange body the way the world views it, as freakish, unnatural, even the work of the devil, AO embraces all that she is: A woman with a ton of major and necessary body augmentations. And then one day she goes to her local market and everything goes wrong.

Once on the run, she meets a Fulani herdsman named DNA and the race against time across the deserts of Northern Nigeria begins. In a world where all things are streamed, everyone is watching the "reckoning of the murderess and the terrorist" and the "saga of the wicked woman and mad man" unfold. This fast-paced, relentless journey of tribe, destiny, body, and the wonderland of technology revels in the fact that the future sometimes isn't so predictable. Expect the unaccepted.

November 2021
224 pages

Ratings (10)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (26):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (14)
Not Interested (1)

2 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 year

This took me a while to finish. Reading this book with the Goodreads Discord.

I didn't feel especially connected to or invested in the story or characters. The world-building was interesting, but the storyline seemed primarily designed to showcase the intricate world construction. Numerous fascinating concepts and advanced technologies were introduced, but not completely roughed out in the story.

In essence, it addressed themes of consumerism, capitalism, and monopolies. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that it would have greatly benefited from further development and exploration.

 
Incredible
1 year

probably my favorite cyberpunk novel/novella to date. i love that the animal companions are cows.

 
 
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