Nuzo Onoh’s prose is richly filled with sharp wit, lively verve, and an utterly captivating uniqueness that draws readers in from the very first sentence. The writing is compelling and evocative, crafting this expletive-laden, vengeance-filled story into an unpredictable and fiercely inventive tale that leaves a lasting and satisfying aftertaste on anyone who devours its pages.
Futility by Nuzo Onoh: Female Rage and Deadly Bargains: Book Review
Futility weaves together the stories of two deeply flawed and unforgettable women, both united by betrayal and a consuming bitterness. Chia is the renowned owner of a popular restaurant in Abuja, Nigeria, celebrated for her captivating beauty and her delicious, and secretly sinister, hot pepper soup. Claire is a fifty-year-old British diplomat living in Abuja with her much younger Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, Shadé; a situation that fuels her insecurities and jealousy.
Their paths are set on a collision course by a trickster spirit, the entity Efu, who offers them a deal: he will grant them the power for revenge on those who have wronged them, but for a terrible price. This pact draws them into a dark world where Chia’s beauty and culinary success are not what they seem, and Claire’s carefully organised life descends into utter chaos after one fateful night at Chia’s restaurant.
While Futility presents itself as a gleeful, murderous romp, the novel is layered with profound thematic depth. The title itself is a direct clue to one of its central philosophical inquiries. The narrative explores the futility of a life pursued for material success, wealth, and superficial beauty at the expense of genuine human connection and personal joy. Despite the power they wield, neither Chia nor Claire is happy; their pursuits, driven by rage and a desire for retribution, are ultimately empty, making their lives a potent exercise in existential futility.
The story simmers with unchecked female rage, placing itself firmly within that robust horror subgenre. It unflinchingly portrays the consequences of betrayal and the monstrous forms that a desire for vengeance can take. Yet, for all its brutal horror, Futility is consistently darkly comedic and fun. It manages to raise a satirical grin, where the grotesque and graphic misfortunes of its characters provide a grim satisfaction. This is a story that makes you cackle even as your stomach hurts from the tension and the horror.
One of the book’s achievements is its creation of two protagonists who are, by design, utterly odious and morally bankrupt. Chia’s actions are despicable, and her pursuit of vengeance is morally questionable, yet the context of her past betrayals provides a twisted logic to her violence. Claire, on the other hand, often comes across as even more irredeemable, a victim of her own prejudices and insecurities.
The genius of Onoh’s character work lies in making these two terrible women completely engrossing. They are complex characters, not born but crafted piece by piece from the circumstances and traumas they have endured. While you may not sympathise with them, you understand the path that led them to their darkness, and there is a perverse thrill in watching them deliver karmic justice to those who arguably deserve it.
Onoh’s signature style shines through in her rich incorporation of African folklore and mythology. The supernatural element isn’t just a plot device; it’s a gateway into a specific cultural worldview, offering readers a horror experience that feels both fresh and immersive. The story is a potent mix of murder, body-swapping, and bloody vengeance, all crackling with a unique energy.
Despite the darkness, the story is infused with a biting wit and a cheeky sense of humour that makes the journey unexpectedly fun. It’s a narrative that winks at its readers even as it takes them through some truly terrifying moments.
Nuzo Onoh’s prose is richly filled with sharp wit, lively verve, and an utterly captivating uniqueness that draws readers in from the very first sentence. The writing is compelling and evocative, crafting this expletive-laden, vengeance-filled story into an unpredictable and fiercely inventive tale that leaves a lasting and satisfying aftertaste on anyone who devours its pages.
Futility is not for the faint of heart. It is a monstrous, gleeful, and bitingly funny horror novel that delves deep into themes of revenge, cultural conflict, and the empty pursuit of superficial desires.
Futility is a bold, inventive, and utterly engaging novel. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys their horror smart, culturally rich, and darkly humorous.
So, if you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, gasp, and forever second-guess the ingredients in a mysterious bowl of hot soup, then Futility is your next read. Maybe don’t enjoy it with a meal, unless you’re sure about what’s in it.
Futility by Nuzo Onoh
For readers of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister the Serial Killer and Bella Mackie’s How to Kill Your Family, this is a monstrous, gleeful, bitingly funny tale of murder, body-swapping and bloody vengeance from the recipient of the Bram Stoker Award® for Lifetime Achievement and ‘Queen of African Horror’.
Crackling with wit, this is a monstrous, gleeful, bitingly funny tale of murder, body-swapping and bloody vengeance from the recipient of the Bram Stoker Award ® for Lifetime Achievement and ‘Queen of African Horror’.
Betrayed by the men in their lives, two women seethe with rage and bitterness. When a trickster spirit offers them the gift of revenge, they cannot resist.
Chia runs one of the best restaurants in Abuja, Nigeria, and is renowned among the male clientele for her captivating beauty and delicious hot pepper soup. But her hot pepper soup has a secret ingredient, and her beauty is not what it seems.
Claire is a 50 year-old British woman living in Abuja with her young Nigerian boyfriend and his beautiful cousin, Shadé. Consumed by jealousy and resentment, Claire’s carefully organised life spirals into chaos after a night out at Chia’s infamous restaurant.
Horror Book Reviews on Ginger Nuts of Horror
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