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Nnedi Okorafor Book Review- Kabu-Kabu

Kabu- Kabu written by Nnedi Okorafor is a collection of twenty-one amazing short stories.

First, you must understand the lingo "Kabu kabu" is a term largely used by Nigerians to refer to unregistered vehicles or taxis.

Boarding a Kabu- Kabu in Nigeria is a huge risk because a number of things can happen from that ride. People, however, hail these vehicles because it is usually a very quick means of taking you wherever you need to be in record time.
Instead of waiting and scuttling for a vehicle at the bus stop most people rely on kabu- kabu despite the widespread stories about the dangers.

The eponymous story in the book largely points at the thrill and horror that comes with Kabu- Kabu. Ngozi is in a haste to get to the airport so that she can attend her sisters' wedding in Nigeria. In her frustration, she hails this unregistered vehicle. And it is all weird but Ngozi is determined to be at the airport.

From this ride, Ngozi travelled through places she had never been to and met face to face with terrifying co-riders as it is often the case with this kabu- kabu.

Besides Kabu-Kabu, the book had an array of very interesting stories. I was learning a lot about a culture, self- identity among other themes while I read this book. It was my first time reading a book by Nnedi and I love how I was shifting to know what happens next with every story. There are science- fiction stories, fantasy and even horror all in one book. Each
story planted something in me so I can't really pick a favourite. However,  If I must, I will choose Asunder and The Palm Wine Bandit

Asunder was a refreshing love story for me whilst The Palm wine bandit pointed out absurd traditions and how Women are constantly told what they can and cannot do completely ignoring something very important which is "Choice".

There was a good spread of heroines in this book and while I read I said to myself If I have a daughter she I will introduce this book to her.

I Would recommend this book to anyone who is open to new narratives.  Kabu-Kabu was largely a breath of fresh air for me. Even when some of the stories kept me up at night because images from one of the stories titled - On The Road kept coming to me lol.

Please leave a remark in the comment section and recommend books similar to the above-mentioned book. You may also watch my video on YouTube below.






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Location: Nigeria

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