‘Binti’ is the embodiment of beautiful and fascinating literature. We follow Binti as she embarks on her isolated journey of choosing her own future. To accept would mean she could make her dreams a reality, but at the same time would require her leaving her place in her family and the only place she has ever known, to be amongst strangers who don’t share her ways or respect her customs.
She has been offered a full scholarship to the intergalactic, prestigious Oomza University, which would make her the very first person amongst her people (the Himba people who are closely modelled after the Himba people of Namibia) to receive a place. The story follows and is written from the perspective of the titular character – Binti – a gifted teenage who has big dreams and is determined to achieve them. Written by Nnedi Okorafor and published in 2015, it is the first novella in the Binti series. I seek out unique stories that raise diverse voices and experiences, especially in the fantasy genre wherein – quite literally – everything is possible. However, historically they have failed to accurately reflect the diversity of the real world it is so-often inspired by. So, while fantasy and science fiction stories show us imagined futures and magical worlds, they also give readers another lens to view our own world with. Every culture has their own fables and folklore that is weaved into, and drawn as inspiration for, many works of fantasy. While there is still a lot more work to be done in terms of inclusivity and diversity in media, we are living in a time wherein we have access to a wide variety of voices in all areas.Īs a fantasy and science fiction lover myself, I am always on the lookout for books (and/or media) that push the boundaries and stereotypes of the genre. In the year 2020, we are surrounded by more diverse media than ever before.
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