What is really compelling about Nnedi Okorafor's Akata Witch wasn't the plot, but the sense that you were reading about a totally different magical world which exists alongside a reality which is equally unfamiliar (in Nigeria). Okorafor draws from Nigerian folk beliefs and rituals and lets us into this world little by little as our protagonist discovers her own unique abilities.
I loved the character of Sunny, who starts out as an outsider for two reasons - she is albino, and while this is a noticeable character trait it also prevents her from social activities like soccer. She was also born in America and lived there for most of her childhood. Even though Sunny is bullied for how different she is, she ends up being a Leopard Person, one born with magical abilities through the power of Juju. After discovering her spirit face, the sun doesn’t burn her skin painfully the way it used to. Being albino also signals Sunny’s ability to disappear at will, and even to go between this world and the spirit world.
I loved the character of Sunny, who starts out as an outsider for two reasons - she is albino, and while this is a noticeable character trait it also prevents her from social activities like soccer. She was also born in America and lived there for most of her childhood. Even though Sunny is bullied for how different she is, she ends up being a Leopard Person, one born with magical abilities through the power of Juju. After discovering her spirit face, the sun doesn’t burn her skin painfully the way it used to. Being albino also signals Sunny’s ability to disappear at will, and even to go between this world and the spirit world.
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