Binti is a cute little novella.
Honestly, I don’t know what I expected… but it wasn’t this.
I wish it was longer because a few places in the story were very rushed. As a result I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. I also felt like the main character, Binti, was very immature most of the time, which is fine, she’s young, but her dialogue was a bit annoying to read.
This story is kind of like the film Arrival, where the main character finds a way to communicate with the alien species, so that they avoid war and understand each other. This is the heart of the story. As Binti is different than the other people – with her dark skin and big hair – she is often met with prejudice, which doesn’t really get resolved, as there was not enough time in the story for that.
The world-building and the language was fascinating, though. I loved all the little details the author has incorporated in the story, especially Binti’s cultural heritage and personal beliefs. Those felt authentic.
If it was longer, if everything had been explored deeper, I might have given it more than 3 stars.
If you like alien/sci-fi adventures and short books, this might be great for you.
-Reviewed by Violeta Nedkova
