Book: Chronicles of Zauba’ah
Author: Tosin Coker
Publisher: N9neformation
Price: £12.99
Review by Ronke Lawal
Zauba’ah is a N9nth Degree Warrior Scientist of galactic accolade who has been charged with the mission of incarnating into the form of an adolescent girl to pass judgement on the human race.
Born with a gift and a purpose, this prequel to Tosin Coker’s Afrofuturism quadrilogy of books brings to life as we follow Zauba’ah on her quest.
Chronicles of Zauba’ah is unlike anything that I have ever read before. It’s an extremely well written piece of sci-fi literature which, at its core, gives life to a new sub-genre, or perhaps more accurately it’s a genre in itself – African sci-fi.
Through this novel, Coker has brought to life the idea that Africans exist beyond the closed narrative of the many clichés in African literature. Chronicles of Zauba’ah allows the reader to see Africans in worlds, galaxies and universes beyond the limitations of our minds, and goes beyond the limitations of the human mind.
I rarely read science fiction, opting to watch it through film. Yet upon reading Chronicles of Zauba’ah I am unsure as to why I have not read more science fiction before.
The book challenged me to focus and visualise in such a way that at times, I was transported to the spaces Coker describes. The various alien species described throughout the book are sometimes difficult to believe, or even understand. But I was reminded while reading the novel that the purpose of sci-fi is not to illustrate what “is real” but to open up the mind’s eye to what is possible.
Zauba’ah’s life’s journey is recounted in detail as she goes through “The Path” to become, in essence, a goddess-like being. The many life lessons she must tackle are not far removed from any other woman’s lessons in life. The most poignant being the ability to recognise one’s own power and how that power can be used to transcend the limitations that we set for ourselves.
There were also many revelations which serve as personal development ideologies. Coker’s wisdom and creativity is clear in each chapter. A great example is the use of the planet Earth, known as Qi, to illustrate the fundamental flaws and destructive behavioural patterns of the human race.
As the alternative life forms look at Qi with both humour and disdain, I read her description of our planet with sadness. The principles that the Qheltarian species, of which Zauba’ah originates from, reflect what is possible on Planet Earth, if only the time could be taken to truly understand life’s source and divine energy.
For instance, the use of violence as a form of protection, and prohibiting killing unless it is absolutely necessary for survival (even in the face of the enemy) means that life is valued and seen as precious.
The use of telepathic communication by Zauba’ah’s species also illustrates another way of looking at how we communicate with each other, and how the human race is perhaps, limiting its own power through the use of purely verbal and physical communication.
There are so many layers in this book that can and should be enjoyed by the reader. I was swept away by the idea that time has no boundaries; that life doesn’t have to be restricted by our tiresome rules of space and shapes. And I appreciate the way in which Coker brings love to life with every life experience that Zauba’ah goes through. Love is central to every aspect of Zauba’ah’s life as a woman.
The concept of femininity through maternal instincts, friendship, sex, sexuality and sensuality is also elevated so magically in the book. Gender roles and gender politics exist without restrictions or being demeaning, and gender is celebrated without being undermined, which in itself is like paradise.
Issues of race, gender, economic equality and power are all explored, but not in the way that you may expect. There is no utopia to be found between these pages unless one is willing to see beyond the obvious.
I recommend that you read this book and open up your eyes, your mind and your soul to what is possible through Coker’s powerful words. A must read.