Book Release Calendar » Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

Zelu Onyenezi-Onyedele has always felt like an outsider in her large Nigerian American family. Disabled, unmarried, and determined to become a successful writer, she has chosen a life that does not match her family’s expectations.

During her sister’s wedding, Zelu loses her university job and learns that her latest novel has been rejected. With her career uncertain, she decides to write something completely different from her previous work.

The result is Rusted Robots, a science-fiction novel about androids and artificial intelligence living on Earth after the disappearance of humanity. Zelu writes the book for herself, but it becomes an international success and changes her life almost overnight.

As her fame grows, Zelu gains money, recognition, and new opportunities. She also faces questions about who controls a story after it has been published. The book moves between Zelu’s life, interviews with people who know her, and sections from Rusted Robots.

Age Recommendation: Adult (18+)

This book includes disability discrimination, family conflict, accident-related trauma, death, alcohol and drug use, sexual content, strong language, and discussions of human extinction.