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Lagoon

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Lagoon

By: Nnedi Okorafor
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh, Ben Onwukwe
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About this listen

Three strangers, each isolated by his or her own problems: Adaora, the marine biologist. Anthony, the rapper famous throughout Africa. Agu, the troubled soldier. Wandering Bar Beach in Lagos, Nigeria's legendary mega-city, they're more alone than they've ever been before. But when something like a meteorite plunges into the ocean and a tidal wave overcomes them, these three people will find themselves bound together in ways they could never imagine.

Together with Ayodele, a visitor from beyond the stars, they must race through Lagos and against time itself in order to save the city, the world...and themselves.

'There was no time to flee. No time to turn. No time to shriek. And there was no pain. It was like being thrown into the stars.'

2015, The Kitschies Red Tentacle, Short-listed

©2014 Nnedi Okorafor (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton Action & Adventure Fantasy Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Science Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Africa Fiction Military

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Most relevant  
The story started off well, seemed very engaging and mysterious but what should've have been a great afro-scifi got lost amongst the multiple narrators. Perhaps i lost focus somewhere in this recording because of that, so it might be better to read this story than to listen to it.

Decent

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Unputdownable weaving of strands - people, places, ideas, hopes, fears - and witches and warlocks with Aliens. All wrapped in the dusty air of Lagos. Just fab

Past myths and (speculative) present

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With the grim and gritty everyday life of Lagos, Nigeria as a background we get a real insight into the souls of its inhabitants and its ravaged land. Tales of desperation, poverty, hard work,achievement, superstition, religious strife, environmental and societal ruin are woven together and expressed with supreme skill. How could all this this be fixed? The imagination of the author in arriving at a solution for Lagos, humanity, and the world is unbounded. Why have I not already seen the film of this truly magical story? The answer is skilfully included. Aliens, Africa, altruism, mysticism, the ocean, gaia personified. I loved this book.

A MASTERPIECE OF DESPERATIOIN, MAGINATION AND HOPE

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Loved it. Fantastic job by the narrators who were just outstanding! My first foray into Afrofuturism and it was a treat!

Sublime

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in words of the spider IT'S A GOOD STORY.
We are not human with stories.

this book filled me with warmth,

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The first science fiction novel I ever read was Men Martians and Machines by Eric Frank Russell back in 1975. And I’ve read a few since then. So, from an old lag - Don’t listen to the wonderful Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor because it’s a fascinating journey into the heart and soul of Lagos from a writer who understands the culture of Nigeria as well as that of Downtown Chicago. And don’t listen because, of all the books, movies, TV shows, radio plays, video games and graphic novels to have dealt with a first encounter scenario over the years this is the one that turns all the old militaristic tropes of invasion and violence on their heads. Don’t listen because Okorafor’s is a clarion voice for a new generation of sci-fi writers, finally looking beyond dystopia to worlds of wonder and possibility. And certainly don’t listen because, for any would-be writers out there, this is a fine example of tightly crafted contemporary storytelling displaying an enviable manipulation of plot, character, point of view and crisp, fast-paced prose. Just listen because it’s a fabulous romp of a story, performed by the best team of voice actors I’ve come across anywhere on the web, that will leave your head spinning with questions, images and voices, thinking about the world in a way you’ve probably never thought about it before; just like that first sci-fi novel you read back in the day. A masterpiece - unforgettable. Phil Busby

Quite simply the best thing I’ve ever heard on Audible

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I was first attracted to Lagoon on Audible by the dramatic cover art which incorporates a myriad of sea creatures into the title word. The book is expertly narrated by Adjoa Andoh and Ben Onwukwe who between them portray many Lagos residents, a smattering of aliens, and also several magical beings from Nigerian folklore. From her initial chapter, spoken as a swordfish who is vandalising an oil pipeline, Okorafor doesn't let up for a minute. The science fiction storyline of alien invasion is fairly standard, but her inventiveness and understanding of human nature makes Lagoon a cut above the norm. I could easily visualise each location from their detailed descriptions and would love for it to be possible to visit that beautiful underwater world! There are some fabulously memorable characters populating this frightened yet vibrant Lagos. Father Oke is great and so true! I sympathised with poor overlooked Philo and even Adaora's husband Chris is stuck in an all too understandable predicament. Plus I don't think I've ever felt sorry for a tarantula before! I did initially have trouble keeping up with the pidgin english, but could generally work out enough to get the gist without having to replay the sentences. The environmentalism and the message of change are nicely done without being preachy and I liked the unusual ending. Nice touch.

Inventive and magical science fiction

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Overall I really enjoyed it, there were a few characters that I felt didn't make sense in the grand scheme of the story. As much as I enjoyed it, I can't help feeling that the traditional folklore was expanded enough to understand what role it played with the aliens integrating themselves into Lagos.
Got a feeling this story has only just begun.

It Was Entertaining

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This science fantasy blends magic and old gods with alien first contact. While gritty in places, and exploring the best and worst of human behaviour the unlikely heroes are able to prevail.

Enjoyable sci-fi yarn

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The story was good but seems unfinished and ended abruptly. Would like to hear more.

Good listen. Adjoah was amazing as usual.

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