Unfortunately, I could not finish this book. It was a combination of the narration and the writing style. (And before anyone comes at me, no, it wasn't because it was written or narrated by a POC. I have read/listened to many books by POC that I've absolutely adored.)

I just couldn't get into the book. The narrator's voice was difficult to understand at time, and it kept pulling me out of the story. The premise, though, was quite interesting, so I may try again at a later date with a physical or e-book copy of the book. As for audio format, though, I don't think I'll try again.

It just was not the book for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story that was being told and the narrator brought a special energy to the story telling. This js my first read by this author and rating as someone who isn't immersed in the world, I'd say that it is solid and would for sure get someone interested in the world. I would definitely recommend this one.

Listen, I always like Nnedi Okorafor's writing, but this is among my favorite books I've read from her. She Who Knows follows the mother of the main character in Who Fears Death, coming of age as a young teen girl in a society where the lives of women are often constrained. It's a fascinating take on science-fiction where the collapse of society and technology has made things feel like fantasy.

Najeeba's people are social outcasts, but they are the only ones who walk the Salt Roads- retrieving precious salt to sell at the market. But only boys and men travel the Salt Roads while girls stay home to read and have babies. But Najeeba feels the call of the road and her father allows her to come along on a journey that will irrevocably transform her.

Najeeba is such a great character and while this is a short novel, I felt like I knew her and was rooting for her to upend traditions and find out more about these mysterious abilities she is discovering. I was riveted throughout the story and it makes me want to go back and read everything else set in this world. Highly recommend this one! The audio narration is great- it feels like you're being told a story. Which I realize is technically what audiobooks are, but I hope you understand what I mean. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Nnedi Okorafor always puts me through it. Collecting salt was a lot of the story and then the last 20% is slapping me in the face left and right. "She Who Knows" will be the story of Najeeba from "Who Fears Death."

When there is a call, there is a often a response.
Najeeba experienced the call, a feeling to travel the Salt Roads to provide for her people. Small issue, she is the first girl to have it. This isn't bad, but some folks might have an issue with it. Over the journey she keeps feeling driven to do things, speak to crowds, travel in other ways, deal with spirits via fire. Something is changing.

Narrated by Yetide Badaki, she captured the confusing and joy of being thrust into a new situation. Along with the rage at people being stuck in their ways.

Reasons to read:
-More background on a great book
-Dealing with issues with fire, while hard on property, does send a message
-The quite moments

Cons:
-It's gonna get rough out there

Genre: speculative fiction, Afrofuturism

Far in the future, Najeeba longs to cross the Salt Road every year. This entails a dangerous trek across the desert to harvest and sell salt; for what is life without salt. It isn't that girls aren't allowed to make the journey, but it's certainly never been encouraged. Najeeba feels the Calling though, and it turns out she has a knack for selling the salt, bringing in more money than her village knows what to do with.

She Who Knows has moderate success as a standalone. It's a prequel novella to Who Fears Death, which is about Najeeba's daughter Onyesonwu. I felt glimpses of that broader world, and itched to know more while reading this. However, the worldbuilding in She Who Knows is strong: you get the beating desert, the villages with some measure of tech, and a futuristic culture surviving post apocalypse. This is a story of gender and power, and of a woman finding her own path forward. It's also an origin story for a major plot point in Who Fears Death, and I think Nnedi Okorafor does a good job at making it stand alone.

Yetide Badaki's narration is excellent - adding to the worldbuilding and atmosphere of the novella.

I hadn’t read "Who Fears Death" before diving into "She Who Knows", but I still found this novella super easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyed it as a standalone.

"She Who Knows" centers on Najeeba, a young girl discovering her power and trying to navigate a world with strict gender norms. The world building is vivid, and the futuristic, desert-like setting feels both harsh and fascinating. The mix of mysticism and cultural elements kept me hooked throughout, and even though I wasn’t familiar with all the mythology, the storytelling pulled me right in.

Yetide Badaki did an amazing job narrating the audiobook. She really brought out the emotions of the characters, and her performance added depth to this novella, making it even more engaging.

Overall, She Who Knows is a beautifully written novella with strong world building and emotions. I will definitely be checking out more of Nnedi Okorafor’s work. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, atmospheric audiobook or read, this one is definitely worth checking out.

This book was amazing the voice actor did an amazing job , the plot was well written and explains everything in details so you’re not confused . The fmc was a bad ass and I hope there’s a book 2.