A Journey of Reconciliation: A Review of One Way Witch (She Who Knows, #2)
It’s rare to find a book that feels like a gentle hand on your shoulder, guiding you through the intricacies of grief and healing while wrapping you in the warmth of hope. One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor did just that for me. As the second installment in the She Who Knows trilogy, it caught my attention not just for its enchanting premise, but because it serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Najeeba—the titular One Way Witch—and her daughter, Onyesonwu, from the critically acclaimed Who Fears Death.
The story opens in a world that is both familiar yet startlingly new, where Onyesonwu’s sacrifice has altered existence for everyone—not just for those who knew her, but for all of humanity. Najeeba is thrust into a complex reality where the collective memories of grief and struggle have been wiped away, yet she carries the weight of the past that others cannot remember. This theme of reconciliation—the bittersweet dance between what was and what could be—resonated deeply with me.
Okorafor’s writing style captivates from the start: her prose flows with a lyrical quality that makes every sentence feel like a brushstroke on a rich canvas. It’s immersive without being overwhelming, allowing readers to savor each moment as Najeeba navigates a world teetering on the edge of peace. The pacing is deliberate, building tension not through action alone, but through the emotional stakes involved in reconciling a painful past with a fledgling future.
What struck me as particularly noteworthy were the complex layers of Najeeba’s character. She isn’t just a mother lamenting the loss of her daughter; she represents the struggles of a whole society trying to redefine itself amidst the dregs of history. The bullying and mistreatment that shaped her daughter’s life echo through Najeeba’s recollections, creating a haunting yet tender atmosphere. This depth made me reflect on how trauma can linger, even when the direct memories of it fade.
One powerful moment in the novella occurs when Najeeba confronts the very people who once tormented her daughter, yet who have now transformed in the ‘Now.’ The juxtaposition of her memories with their current selves serves as a poignant reminder of the shades of human experience—how our past shapes us, but does not wholly define us. This idea lingered with me long after I turned the last page.
Okorafor also deftly avoids the trap of the ‘middle book syndrome.’ Contrary to many trilogies where the second installment often plunges into despair, One Way Witch embraces a spirit of renewal and self-discovery. The narrative feels like a fresh start for Najeeba as she learns that the only way forward is to embrace her past and grow from it. I found myself cheering for her as she endeavors into uncharted territory, eager to discover what lies ahead in this complex world.
For readers who appreciate nuanced storytelling that tackles themes of healing, identity, and belonging, One Way Witch will undoubtedly captivate your heart. If you loved Who Fears Death, you’ll find this book a rewarding and enriching experience, even if you haven’t yet read the first in the series.
In closing, Nnedi Okorafor has crafted a narrative that is not only magical in its world-building but also deeply rooted in the very human experience of grappling with grief and emerging into the light. I’m eagerly awaiting the final chapter of Najeeba’s journey, where I hope we’ll explore even more of this beautifully complex world. Wouldn’t we all like to know what awaits us, just around the corner?
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