Scan barcode
Reviews
Between Dystopias: The Road to Afropantheology by Joshua Uchenna Omenga, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
laurareads87's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Between Dystopias: The Road to Afropantheology is a unique blend of short fiction and essays that explore and are rooted in African mystical and spiritual traditions. As explained in the introduction, the term Afropantheology (pantheology meaning “the study of gods, religions, and the bodies of knowledge associated with them”) is coined here to describe stories that cannot rightly or respectfully be considered “fantasy” given that such stories present knowledges passed down by spiritual leaders and lore keepers.
I was very happy to receive a copy of this book having previously enjoyed two excellent collections edited or co-edited by Ekpeki: Africa Risen and The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction (2021). The interspersing of short essays tackling such topics as supporting marginalized creators in their publishing endeavours and the politics of dystopia and ‘escapism’ in fiction with short stories, novelettes, and novellas invites reading the stories not only as stories (which are excellent), but with a thoughtful consideration of their context. Some prior knowledge of African religious and spiritual traditions would be an asset for a reader, but is not required to appreciate this collection.
An excellent collection all around — highly recommend.
Thank you to the authors, NetGalley, Arc Manor, & CAEZIK SF & Fantasy for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.
More...