Who_Fears_Death_Nnedi_Okorafor
2012 Nominated

Who Fears Death

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

In a post-apocalyptic Africa, the world has changed in many ways, yet in one region genocide between tribes still bloodies the land. After years of enslaving the Okeke people, the Nuru tribe has decided to follow the Great Book and exterminate the Okeke tribe for good. An Okeke woman who has survived the annihilation of her village and a terrible rape by an enemy general wanders into the desert hoping to die. Instead, she gives birth to an angry baby girl with hair and skin the color of sand. Gripped by the certainty that her daughter is different–special–she names her child Onyesonwu, which means “Who Fears Death?” in an ancient tongue.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Nnedi
Okorafor

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

A good book is one which keeps you excited while reading and stays with you long after you have read it. Award winning author, Nnedi Okorafor has that ability to perfectly mix African flavoured realities and fantasy into an original work of literary excellence. Her concepts are universal at the same time unique and epitomized in the various characters she introduces to her readers. Even with its dark overtone, there are profound threads of light and powerful redemption in the storyline. It is the type of book that can appeal to both fiction lovers and the realists.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
Nigeria, USA
Original Language
English
Publisher
Daw Books

RELATED FEATURES

Video January 2 2026

Celebrating 30 Years of the Dublin Literary Award

As we bid a fond farewell to our 30th Anniversary, let's take a lookback at some highlights from past years
News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award
Video May 26 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner in Conversation

Winning author Michael Crummey in conversation with Madeleine Keane at the International Literature Festival Dublin.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.