Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
4.5 Stars
My Review
The Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor follows Zelu, a woman whose life starts spiraling after her sister’s wedding. In the middle of all that chaos, she channels her emotions into writing a sci-fi novel—and to her surprise, it becomes a bestselling hit. The story is told in such a unique and creative way, divided into three parts: Zelu’s main point of view, interviews with her loved ones and family, and excerpts from the fictional book she writes. I loved this structure because it made the story feel layered and real—like we were getting to know Zelu both as a person and as a writer. The mix of realism and sci-fi was super refreshing, even though I’ll admit that the sci-fi excerpts weren’t my favorite parts to read.
What really stood out to me was how Zelu’s own life seemed to reflect in the book she wrote. The scientific novel she creates mirrors so many aspects of her personal struggles—her emotions, her challenges, and even her resilience. You could really see the parallels between what she was experiencing in her real life—dealing with family tension, navigating her identity, and facing the pressures of publishing—and what showed up in her fiction. It added a whole extra layer of meaning to the story and made me appreciate her writing even more.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the representation. Zelu is a Nigerian woman who uses a wheelchair after a childhood accident, and her journey to relearn how to walk using robotic legs was emotional, empowering, and thought-provoking. I really appreciated how the story explored the challenges she faced, the criticism she got, and the support she received. It felt so honest and beautifully written. I also loved the Nigerian cultural details woven throughout the book—from the joy of weddings to the heartbreak of funerals and the complexities of family life. It added so much richness and depth to the story.
Another thing I adored was how this book gives readers an inside look at the publishing world. Seeing the process from Zelu’s point of view really made me appreciate how much time, effort, and heart go into writing and publishing a book. This story had me laughing, tearing up, and cheering Zelu on the whole way through. The characters—both main and secondary—were full of life and personality, and I felt completely invested in their journeys.
Overall, I gave The Death of the Author 4.5 stars. The only reason it’s not a full five is because the sci-fi excerpts didn’t grab me as much as the rest of the story—but that’s totally a personal preference. Nnedi Okorafor’s writing is heartfelt, powerful, and full of emotion. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more from her!
“You don’t fight the ocean. You have to trust it to carry you. And once you do, you can be anything.”
Nnedi Okorafor
Other Books by the Author
Some of Nnedi Okorafor’s other acclaimed works include Akata Witch, Who Fears Death, Kabu Kabu, and many more.
Literary Pairing
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is a sharp, satirical look at the publishing world through the eyes of June Hayward, a white author who steals her Asian friend’s manuscript and passes it off as her own. Where Death of the Author is reflective, emotional, and speculative, Yellowface is biting, contemporary, and darkly humorous. Both novels question who gets to tell stories—and what it costs to be heard—but one does it through the lens of futurism and self-discovery, while the other exposes the ugly truths of fame, privilege, and cultural appropriation.
Shelf To Table
Jollof rice: A beloved West African dish made by cooking long-grain rice in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with onions, peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices like thyme, curry powder, and bay leaves. It’s known for its vibrant red-orange color and smoky, slightly spicy taste.
“Life is short. Fortune is fleeting. Fame is just swirling dust. It’s people dreaming and perceiving while they say your name like it’s some tangible object, but it’s not. A name is just a name. A sound.”
Nnedi Okorafor