Book Details:
Title: Binti
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
ISBN: 9780765385253
Genre: Science fiction, Young adult, Adventure, Fantasy
Published Year: 2015
Introduction to Binti
In Binti, Nnedi Okorafor introduces us to Binti Ekeopara Zuzu Dambu Kaipka, a brilliant 16-year-old Himba woman and the first of her people to be accepted into the prestigious Oomza University. Born on Earth in a small desert village in Namibia, Binti is an exceptional mathematician and the gifted daughter of a family of astrolabe makers, grounded in the customs of the Himba people. Her journey is not only geographical, as she ventures from Earth to the distant planet where Oomza University is located, but it is also a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and exploration of identity.
Setting the Stage
The Himba people, to whom Binti belongs, are deeply rooted in tradition. They use otjize, a red clay paste, to coat their skin and hair, which connects them to the earth and their ancestors. Binti’s family expects her to stay within their community, inheriting the family business, and carrying on the tradition of crafting astrolabes. However, Binti’s thirst for knowledge and her talents in mathematics drive her to seek an education at Oomza University, despite knowing that this decision may isolate her permanently from her family and heritage.
Binti’s Secret Departure
Without her family's permission, Binti decides to leave, sneaking away to board a ship bound for Oomza University. This choice immediately presents both personal and cultural conflicts:
- Cultural Alienation: The Himba people rarely, if ever, leave their homeland. Binti’s decision to leave isolates her from her heritage, leading her to question her own identity throughout the journey.
- Fear of the Unknown: Binti must confront her fears of an alien world and the unknown dangers it brings.
Despite her fear, Binti’s longing for knowledge and the rare opportunity that Oomza represents push her forward. On the ship, she becomes the only Himba among the passengers, facing a mixture of curiosity, prejudice, and misunderstanding from others.
Encounter with the Meduse
During her journey, Binti’s ship is attacked by a mysterious and powerful alien race called the Meduse. Known for their violent encounters with humans, the Meduse have a longstanding grudge against the Khoush, a people who dominate Earth and often look down upon the Himba. The Meduse ruthlessly kill everyone on board except Binti, whom they spare due to her mysterious possession of an edan, an ancient device she doesn’t fully understand.
The Role of the Edan
The edan becomes Binti’s most crucial possession as it allows her to communicate with Okwu, a Meduse who is fascinated by Binti’s unusual courage and intelligence. This device, which she carries as a symbol of her heritage, becomes both a means of survival and a bridge between her and the Meduse. She realizes that the edan:
- Grants Her Protection: Its unknown properties help her survive the deadly encounter with the Meduse.
- Symbolizes Unity: The edan serves as a potential tool for peace between two seemingly incompatible cultures.
Through her interaction with the edan, Binti learns that she has the capacity to transcend not just the limits of her people’s traditions but also the boundaries imposed by alien prejudice and enmity.
Binti as a Peacemaker
As Binti journeys to Oomza, she learns of the Meduse’s long-standing conflict with the Khoush and the depth of the animosity between them. The Khoush are portrayed as oppressors of the Himba people as well, dismissive of their traditions. Binti’s role shifts from being a mere passenger to a bridge between warring cultures. As a young woman caught between these worlds, she feels the pressure to not only survive but to negotiate peace. This aspect of the story explores:
- The Cost of Cultural Conflict: Binti witnesses firsthand the devastation of war and prejudice.
- The Role of Communication: Using her wits and empathy, she communicates with Okwu, helping the Meduse see the potential for peace.
- Understanding through Difference: Binti learns to appreciate the perspectives of the Meduse without abandoning her own beliefs.
Arrival at Oomza University
Upon arrival at Oomza, Binti faces the aftermath of her journey and the consequences of her decisions. She must now balance her thirst for knowledge with her sense of identity and responsibility toward both her people and the Meduse. At Oomza University, she is seen as a pioneer but also as a symbol of someone who has compromised her own culture.
Key Themes:
- Identity and Belonging: Binti’s journey forces her to grapple with her identity as both Himba and a university student.
- Tolerance and Prejudice: The conflict between the Meduse and the Khoush mirrors the prejudices faced by the Himba on Earth.
- The Power of Knowledge: Binti’s mathematical skills and knowledge of technology shape her journey and her role as a negotiator for peace.
Quotes from Binti
- “I wanted more, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t love my family and my people. It means I didn’t love them enough to not want more.”
- “This is the part of me that the rest of the world sees and can’t understand, the part that is what I was born to be, that I don’t want to let go.”
Conclusion
Binti is a story about the quest for knowledge, the preservation of cultural identity, and the courage to forge one’s path in the face of societal expectations. Binti’s journey, her courage, and her desire to transcend the boundaries set by both her people and the universe at large make her a compelling character. Her transformation from a scared young woman to a mediator with the strength to bring together warring species speaks to Okorafor’s skillful storytelling and profound understanding of the complexities of identity.
Through Binti’s experiences, Binti reminds us of the importance of empathy, the transformative power of knowledge, and the courage to seek out the unknown.