Award-winning Nigerian fantasy/science fiction writer, Nnedi Okorafor, announced on Twitter yesterday that her critically acclaimed novel, Who Fears Death, has been optioned by HBO and is now being developed into a TV show.
The series is to be produced by George R.R. Martin, author and executive producer of best-selling series of fantasy books 'Game of Thrones. '
So if anyone can make Nnedi's book come alive in the best way, it's him.
Nnedi's writing is unique, in that she blends science fiction with the Nigerian cultural heritage, while shattering stereotypes about Africans and women.
The book, Who Fears Death, embodies that perfectly. It tells the story of a powerful girl, Onyesonwu, whose mother survived rape and the annihilation of their village, and now fights for her life and against discrimination in a magical journey.
According to Nnedi, this development has been in the works for four years, and she will be overseeing the adaptation:
"I am very involved. I also know George well (we met in 2014 and I stayed in touch); he’s been a sort of mentor to me through all this. And all those involved know what this story is; Onyesonwu is in good good hands."
Knowing Nnedi's track record, which includes the novella, Binti, which won both the 2016 Nebula Award and 2016 Hugo Award; and George R.R. Martin's track record; he's still holding our attention with Game of Thrones; and HBO's penchant for picking the most interesting TV shows, we cannot wait for the release of this series.
