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Part two is a huge improvement on part one, yet not without some sloppy moments. This review will contain minor spoilers for part 1. The spoilers for part 2 are going to be marked appropriately and hidden under the spoiler tag.

Binti travels back home to go on a pilgrimage, taking Okwu with her. We get to know more about her culture, she gets to grow a little as a person, some of the questions from part one are finally answered AND one annoying thing finally gets addressed. My favorite part (and, in my opinion, the strongest side of this book) is Binti's exploration of her culture; questioning things, learning things, understanding and, in a way, reinventing herself. Her culture may seem unfamiliar to a European reader (such as myself), their ways may seem strange, yet the underlying theme - looking for ones identity - is something virtually anyone can relate to, and I think Nnedi Okorafor used this theme brilliantly to the book's advantage.

There are, however, a number of things I wasn't too happy with. Firstly, we barely see Oomza university - the place where Binti wanted to go so badly she abandoned her family. We don't get very many descriptions, and the ones we do get seem a little vague for my taste. However, the thing that irks me the most is certain characters' behavior. And that is mostly spoilers, so beware!

-SPOILERS AHEAD-
1. OkwuOkwu's behavior too often makes no sense to me and I feel like the justification that is given is often insufficient. Oh, the Meduse are aggressive! Feisty! Protect their honor! It's just silly, honestly. One of the first things that happens in the book is Okwu and its Koush weapons teacher engaging in a Western stand-off, wanting to murder one-another. Yes, it was made very clear that their intent is to kill the opponent. WHY???? Ok, I get Okwu - it's a kid, really, but the teacher? Isn't she supposed to be a responsible adult? What could it possible have said to the teacher to make her risk her career (and possibly face imprisonment) that she would even consider something so stupid? I swear, I thought I'd give the book one star at that point.2. The Khoush The author is trying to show that not all Khoush are bad by giving us some Oomza uni teachers who treat Binti kindly. However, the majority (mostly the ones living on Earth) are just mean, unpleasant people. So Binti and Okwu are traveling to Earth. I'm assuming the authorities are informed of its arrival, since the airport is cleared, and there's army and journalists everywhere. I also assume the army were informed Okwu was coming in peace, as an ambassador. Yet moments after it steps out of the ship, they shoot at it anyway... And not even at it directly, but at the ground near it? Why??? Are the Khoush giving guns to 10-year-olds? Who does that?3. Binti's familyI understand that the author wanted to show how conservative Binti's family is and that what she did, according to their customs, is a big no no. But they are portrayed as absolutely hideous monsters, without a glimmer of empathy. It's really hard to believe that the same people Binti had claimed loved her so much would treat her that badly.

-END OF SPOILERS-


Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it offers some fresh ideas to the world of sci fi, blends futurism and traditional culture organically, and offers an engaging story with it. There's definitely things I would improve, but I don't think they overshadow the strong side of the overall story.