I have read a few other books by Okorafor already, the novellas in the Africanfuturism Binti trilogy, as well as the YA fantasy series The Nsibidi Scripts. Both were fantastic, with similar aspects of Nigerian history and culture woven into the stories, even while the audiences and vibes for each are quite different. As an adult novel and Africanfutuirsm (as opposed to YA and fantasy), Death of the Author, definitely shares more with Binti, but in all cases Okorafor's themes, inspirations, and writing style stand consistent.

As I said, this very recognizable - stylistically and topically - as Okorafor's writing. And with that, there are parts that are so familiar as to feel a bit repetitive, almost, if you have read other works by her. And yet, it is compelling enough to read regardless. In fact, it was quite the page-turner. And it culminated in a completely new and unique way. I loved how we essentially got two, almost three, stories in one. First, the story of the author herself, Zelu, her life and journey to becoming the writer who created a bestselling novel (one that was turned into a movie and, really, a fan-propelled universe), as well as her story of childhood injury and subsequent life as a disabled person. Second, Ankara's story, in Okorafor's classic sci-fi and Africanfuturism, the story Zelu wrote, about robots and AI. While I obviously don't know her like this, I have to say that some parts of this novel felt really autobiographical or born of very real frustrations about being Nigerian-American and/or the challenges of being a (Black, female) writer and facing the (attempted) takeover of creativity by AI/tech. (To be clear on my stance, I'd like to say f*ck off to AI.) And last, we also get a series of journalism/investigative interviews with Zelu's family and friends, allowing us to see more of Zelu, through the eyes of those closest to her. 

All in all, this was a really compelling exploration of the self and the body it lives within, biologically and technologically and a mash-up of the two. I appreciated the nuance of Okorafor's look into these variations on identity, in ways that were realistic and, humanly, not always complementary. It felt very genuine. Similarly, this was a gorgeously complex look at the layers of family (and especially siblings), the protection and love in contrast to the guilt/shame/pressure..all of which was equally human in its strengths and uglinesses. There was so much in these pages about straddling worlds/existences - robot and human, able-bodied and disabled, Nigerian and Nigerian-American, robot and AI - while still achieved in a beautifully literary and escapist way. 

As far as other major messages, Okorafor highlights the power of connection and relationships and storytelling to make space for opportunity and overcome any adversity (even the end of the world). Speaking of "the end," my goodness that last chapter tho!! My mind is blown. Like, who is actually the narrator and who is the story?!?! I'd also like to shout out the art of the physical book. It is visually ARRESTING. And the sprayed edges?! Stunning. To end, one more time for the people in the back... This is an absolute fire indictment of AI, a war cry of creativity and storytelling as a purely and uniquely human capacity. Aggressive and clear without being condescending. I am her for this righteous anger.   

 “We cannot escape our creators. I keep saying this. You can’t erase that which made you. Even when they are gone, their spirit remains.”

“I can’t be normal, so I’ll be something else.”

“You left your families, your cultures, all that you knew, to come to this complex place with its nasty history, maze of trials, and spectacular opportunities. So you could stretch.”

“…there was a difference between not using something you have and not having it at all.”

“What good was love if she could only see it through a window?”

“...true power was in the harnessing of it, not the possessing of it. And when you were aware of the moment you harnessed power, that was when it was most difficult to navigate." 

“I'd read many human stories about the ugliness of war, the guilt of success, the vibrations of failure.”

“The end of the world is a good place for stories to reside.”

“Create yourself. See what happens.”

“…creativity meant experiencing, processing, understanding human joy and pain.”

“I have come to understand that author, art, and audience all adore one another. They create a tissue, a web, a network. No death is required for this form of life.”