![]() ![]() It speaks to a long heritage of fiction that explores young personhood and its place in nature, where human concepts of control are absurd and arbitrary. Some of the most pleasant passages are where Sankofa spends time in the bush, away from prying eyes and opportunistic adults who might use or abuse her. while references to 'remote control' within the context of witchcraft escaped me, it conjured an elusive sense of mystery that kept the pages turning until there was nothing left to read. Okorafor adds just the right touches of adult condescension and pubescent compliance to build a familiar scenario that resonates with many a reader-memories of being young and confused and stubborn, but secretly hoping for guidance and acceptance. Here, Okorafor illuminates a painful part of the teenage psyche. One of the most striking sections of the novella is where Sankofa is persuaded to embrace the idea of normalcy. At times bloody and grim, Okorafor’s straightforward prose highlights Sankofa’s precociousness as she tries to make sense of her frightening new abilities. a richly rewarding look at identity and independence as Sankofa develops her own convictions, even as everything she knows and loves-her home on a shea fruit farm, her family, her identity-is taken away from her. ![]()
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