Binti: Home is the sequel to need Okorafor’s previous Hugo and Nebula award winning novella, Binti. I’m going to keep this brief because I shared most of my feelings about the world, the main character, plot, etc. If you want my take on Binti, you can read it here.

The story takes place after the closing events of Binti. And as the title lets us know, Binti goes home. Binti’s experiences at the university have changed her, both emotionally and physically, but she feels compelled to go home for a rite of passage that is very important in her culture. She brings along her alien friend, Okwu. Of course, we have the inevitable conflicts with Binti and her family- she’s changed, and her family has a hard time understanding this new Binti. Through her rite of passage, Binti begins to discover more about herself, and her people.

Overall the story is a worthy successor to the story begun in Binti. The use of an African culture for this futuristic setting is refreshing and exciting. We are able to sidestep the usual tropes found in science fiction when its based on European or American norms. If you’re looking for something new and fresh, Binti and Binti:Home are an excellent place to start.

I fully realize that this doesn’t give you too much to go on, (I don’t want o spoil the plot!) but trust me, its worth the read.

Lilypad Rating:  out of 5