A Journey into Vengeance and Humanity: My Thoughts on "Futility"
When I stumbled upon "Futility" by the fierce Onoh, the Queen of African Horror, I was immediately intrigued not just by the title, but by the promise of a story that delves into the darker sides of humanity, blending visceral gore with sharp feminist rage. As a lover of horror that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, I felt a pull to this unapologetic tale—and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
"Futility" introduces us to Chia, a 29-year-old Black woman, and Claire, a 50-year-old white woman. Neither character is someone you would generally root for; they are, in fact, quite despicable at times. Yet, Onoh does a remarkable job of weaving their backstories into the fabric of their lives, ensuring readers understand the pain and victimization that have led them down this treacherous path of vengeance. Their motivations are intricately tied to their experiences with bad men, and it’s this shared suffering that eventually pushes them to work with a trickster demon in exchange for male human sacrifices. How deliciously twisted is that?
As the chapters alternate between Chia and Claire, the tension builds in a way that feels almost electric. Onoh captivates readers with her keen eye for character development, crafting multi-dimensional figures who embody both horror and complexity. There’s an outstanding balance here: we can witness the horrendous acts they commit while also feeling a palpable sense of empathy for their experiences.
The writing style complements the story perfectly. Onoh dives headfirst into her work without pausing to explain cultural references, using Nigerian terms that enrich the narrative rather than detract from it. I found this choice uplifting; it not only challenged me as a reader, but made me reflect on the arrogance with which some Western literature is often presented. It’s a reminder of the power dynamics in storytelling—Onoh has something important to say, and she won’t dumb it down for the sake of familiarity.
In "Futility," horror unfolds in a masterful way, spiraling swiftly from darkly funny moments to heart-wrenching scenes that make the reader pause in reflection. The bodies pile up, the humor turns bleak, and the narrative compels you not to look away, even when it gets goopy and grotesque. This was a hallmark of excellent storytelling; Onoh knows how to hold your attention, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from horror.
And let’s not forget the dedication of the book. Upon reading it, I felt a surprise rush of power, as if this work was a love letter to readers like me who crave raw, unapologetic narratives.
In conclusion, "Futility" is a must-read for anyone eager to confront societal horrors, explore the anger that often fuels humanity, and engage with characters that serve both as monsters and reflections of our collective rage. If you loved "Queen of the Cicadas" or anything by C.J. Leede, this visceral and voyeuristic journey will resonate deeply. Onoh has gifted us a darkly humorous and gut-wrenching exploration of revenge, societal expectations, and the haunting realities of womanhood. I walked away from this read feeling like I had truly witnessed something significant—a beautiful chaos that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.