This is the first of a trilogy that is a prequel to Who Fears Death which I have not read (but will now). I did read and enjoy the Binti trilogy, and this is written in the same vivid and direct style as those. In a desert future Africa, Najeeba, though a girl, has heard the call to the Salt Roads and joins her father and brothers on this year's adventure. But Nejeeba is different from other girls in other ways as well, and the trip, though successful, has unforeseen consequences and completely changes the future of her people.
Like Binti, the story is novella length, and hard to describe without spoilers. The writing is splendid, sharp and powerful. The characters are memorable and easy to care about. The culture and setting are what give the story the most depth, setting it far above most fantasies. This is a place you believe. You can taste the salt and the dust, feel the wind. Outstanding. Highly recommended.

This is a novel of a post-apocalyptic fiction; though the people talk about and try to repurpose technology, the apocalypse event was so far in the past that they live completely in the story's present. The world building in what seems to be somewhere in West Africa, but is completely undefined in terms of our current world, is amazing. Like the best storytellers, the author draws you in and makes you understand the society without a clumsy explanations or a glossary or even maps.

The heroine of the story feels called to go with her father and brothers on the Salt Roads, to harvest salt from an old lake bed, and sell it in the market. This is something which supports their village, but something no woman does.

Why is she different? And what will happen next?

This is a prequel to another story in the same world which I ran to the library to find and can't wait to read.

Absolutely a 5 star story.

Thank you to DAW Books for letting me read this as an e-galley in return for my honest review of the book.

#NetGalley #SpeculativeFiction #SheWhoKnows #afrofuturism

This might be the best book about salt I’ve ever read. That said, it might just be the only book about salt I’ve ever read.

‘She Who Knows’ is a fantastically woven novella which gives insight into the backstory of Najeeba – the mother of Onyesonwu, the protagonist of Okorafor’s 2010 novel ‘Who Fears Death’. At thirteen years old, Najeeba, is the only girl to join her father and brothers in their annual trip to the salt lakes. Due to the brief length of this novel I don’t want to discuss it in too much depth, but I found both the prose and the plot to be a big step up from ‘Who Fears Death’ and I highly recommend this novella to both those who have and haven’t read ‘Who Fears Death’. With great themes and strong character work, I devoured this novella in one sitting, and although I would’ve loved a little more focus on the magic system, I’m definitely going to be reading more of Okorafor’s work in the future.

This is a novella that was a quick read, but it packed so much into less than 100 pages. The World building is exceptional, and if you've read anything by Nnedi Okorafor before, you'll recognize her lyrical, afrofuturistic vibe. I was invested in the story and the journey of the main character. It was different and unique as we learned a lot about the culture of the Osu-nu people and the complexities and brutalities of their World. The Salt trade and market was also interesting. The ending though is what I didn't love, It seemed abrupt and I still don't understand it. Still, I would recommend this book - the story was fascinating.

'She Who Knows' is the translated name of Najeeba, the mother of the protagonist of Who Fears Death. This novella is part of a new trilogy in this universe.

Najeeba is a 13-year-old teenager in a village of untouchables, the Osu-nu live in villages all called the same, far from the Okeke. However, they are the ones who extract the salt from a lake and go to market it for a few days, the only place where they can be together with Okeke and the Nuru (who are descendants of Arabs and have lighter skin).

Osu-nu people are untouchable Okeke people; we are the slaves who chose to be slaves to the goddess I adore so that we could be free. You only know the depth of the story as it is shared among your people. That's not the full story

There is a time for this, and the Osu-nu know it. The route cannot be followed by others because there are dangers, and only men go, until one day Najeeba also feels the call... and thus begins her transformation.

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Here is a story of what could well be post-apocalyptic Africa, full of folklore, mysticism, magic and futuristic elements. As in most of her works, the female voices speak of racism and gender oppression, and cultural religious elements to be abolished.

But... as someone mentions, the ending is a WHICH ENDING? It leaves you very much in the air, and well, I suppose it hopes to leave you hooked on the trilogy. If it weren't for that I would have given it a better score.

I have many questions left: about

This was great, and a perfect little read for an airplane ride. I have not read Who Fears Death, but have read quite a few other works by Okorafor. This felt distinctly like one of her stories and I didn't feel lost by jumping in here on the second. I would recommend this to folks as my library as a single novella, or as a part of the trilogy. I plan to go back and pick up Who Fears Death now after reading this one..

This was my first introduction to the author’s work, and it was very enjoyable! Even though I had no prior knowledge of the characters or the world, the author did a good job of drawing me into the world, and I am excited to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and DAW for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

WOW. Just wow. The prose on this novella was phenomenal. The story was gripping. Thank goodness it was short because I did not want to put it down! I haven’t read Who Fears Death, but now it is next on my TBR list. Though, the novella was fantastic without the context of the other book. I absolutely cannot wait to read more Nnedi Okorafor! 4.25 ⭐️

Nnedi Okorafor’s “She Who Knows” is a captivating novella that blends science fiction, fantasy, and rich West African culture. This first installment in the She Who Knows trilogy introduces readers to Najeeba, a 13-year-old girl who disrupts the norms of her society by receiving the Call, a spiritual summons traditionally experienced only by men. Set against the backdrop of the same universe as Okorafor’s acclaimed “Who Fears Death,” this story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where ancient traditions and futuristic elements coexist.

Najeeba’s journey begins with her unprecedented participation in the annual trek to the Dead Lake’s salt mines, an event that sets off a chain reaction of change within her family and community. The novella’s strength lies in its intimate portrayal of Najeeba’s coming-of-age, highlighting her inner growth and the mystical forces she encounters. Okorafor’s world-building is nothing short of mesmerizing, painting vivid landscapes and incorporating elements of African futurism and Africanjujuism. The writing is almost poetic, seamlessly weaving together themes of tradition, magic, and gender norms. While the story is rich in myth and folklore, it also presents a subtle critique of societal structures.

“She Who Knows” stands well on its own, even for readers unfamiliar with “Who Fears Death.” Okorafor’s ability to create a fully realized world in a short novella is impressive, and her characters are deeply compelling. This beautifully written story, filled with sunshine, salt crystals, and mystery, promises a thrilling continuation in the subsequent books of the trilogy. It’s a must-read for fans of African futurism and anyone looking for a fresh, enchanting narrative.

Thanks netgally for the arc to She Who Knows. This is the story of the heroine’s mother from “Who Fears Death,” but can be read without having read the daughter’s story. Reading She Who Knows has definitely made me want to pick it up though! I really enjoyed the world in this story, which was a futuristic Africa, with a blend of magic, technology and an old-world dystopian feel. Our heroine feels the call to the salt road, but going is completely against social norms; she has to push against everyone, including her family and friends, for the right to follow her calling. This book is fairly on-the-nose with its feminist messaging, forever, and I generally prefer a bit more nuance with social themes. I thought this was super easy to get into however, with great pacing and the character work was also top tier. 4 stars!

When I started reading this novella I did not know it was a prequel for Who Fears Death. So as I had always been interested in reading WFD I decided to read it first and then this novella.
She Who Knows is my favorite of the two, this novella felt more cohesive and the characters more real.
I think her writing has improved since WTD but there is something about it that does not click with me.
I still want to give her other works a chance, but not soon.

I've long been a fan of Nnedi Okorafor's work and had a recent social media interaction with her while trying to promote her stories. I mislabeled the category of stories she writes, and she responded negatively. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I no longer feel I can judge this book on its own merits. DNF/3 stars

How have I not read anything by Nnedi Okorafor yet? I was hypnotized. I want to know more. I know this story is a prequel of sorts, and I'm looking forward to finding out more. I'll be sharing about this with my patrons and book club, what a riveting tale.

There was a certain flavoring or spice, a secret ingredient in Who Fears Death that I hadn't seen in some of Okorafor's other books. But I am happy to say that She Who Knows brought that flavor back to my senses, and this little book is a feast! Najeeba's story will grab you and not let go. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

There is such a raw and sweet quality to Okorafor’s work that I can’t describe. This book is beautifully written and, although I have not read Who Fears Death (which I learned it’s related to She Who Knows, after finishing the book), I am able to see the bigger picture this is a part of. I can’t wait to read the next book and then also read Who Fears Death

Thank you to Netgalley and DAW for this e-arc! All opinions are my own.

I'll admit that it was a little weird to request this novella, knowing that it is a prequel to a book I have not read. That said, I've read a few of Okorafor's other books so I was looking forward to her unique brand of science fiction. I definitely got that here. While this book definitely feels like a small piece of something much bigger and leaves a lot of gaps for that other piece to fill, it was nonetheless a captivating read for me. Everything was so clear and vivid in my mind while reading. I loved every aspect of the world-building including the culture of the village, the way that technology worked, the description of the salt lake & salt market, our main character's growth into her powers - everything was just so rich! Okorafor is definitely a voice that I want to continue reading forever.

I tried to get into this book and couldn't, so it was an DNF. Maybe I will try to re-read it at a later date.

I'd like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for this copy of the book for my honest review. She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor is Afro-futuristic fantasy novella set in a re-imagined west African universe. The story follows 13 yr old Najeeba who receives the calling to go out on the salt roads. This throws her world upside down because only men and boys receive the calling. Amazingly her parents allow her to go on the salt roads with her father and brothers. This decision endangers not just her family, but her people and ends up changing the world. This book is a prequel sequel to Who Fears Death which follows the story of Najeeba's daughter Onye. While I didn't read Who Fears Death, I had no issues keeping up with this book, though I now plan on reading it as soon as possible.

This story is not a light easy read but it's so well written and beautifully told. I highly recommend it. Najeeba's bravery and courage were so inspirational. Her refusal to let herself be defined by her culture, religion, family, and friends was motivating. It's hard for me to really get into it without spoilers and I don't want to take it away from the readers (this is a must read) but if you loved Parable of the Sower, then you will love She Who Knows.

There's something in the way Okorafor writes with such economy of words and yet you are easily placed in the middle of the story and see it clearly, you even smell and hear it. So much mystery here that is not fully explained which leaves room for the reader to wonder about the events that occurred to set the stage, the beings and gods/goddesses that are prayed to, their ongoing involvement in society, the gifts and curses they bestow. Najeeba (she who knows) is easy to root for and understand as a girl who does not abide by the rules set for females in her village as she discovers just how far her talents will take her.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the e-copy, this is my honest review.

Najeeba’s coming of age and coming into power story was such a delight to read. From the stunning descriptions of the landscape and Najeeba’s traveling, to the relationships between Najeeba and her family it was a storyworld I would have loved to spend so much longer in, given the opportunity.