Death of the Author is a 3-in-1 novel, comprising the narratives of Zelu – a thirtysomething, female, Nigerian-American, paraplegic, adjunct professor turned bestselling writer – sandwiched between interviews about Zelu from her friends and family, and excerpts from Zelu’s bestselling in-universe Afro-futuristic book Rusted Robots. In telling the story this way, Zelu’s story is never completely in her control. Zelu’s existence is fraught with adversity at all sides with a flailing career and an overbearing and not-always-supportive family. This is channeled into her novel – a post-humanity future where humanoid robots in “rusted” bodies are at war with formless AI’s that seek to “fix” them. The runaway mainstream success of Zelu’s work affects her life and relationships in countless ways, wreaking havoc on her mental health and besetting her with a case of writer’s block as the fans clamor for a sequel. However, the attention of her new-found fame also provides her with opportunities to advance the future of technology shown in her book, with participation in a trial for robotic prosthetic legs that blends fiction and reality.

From Rusted Robots’s toxic fandom, to the relationships in first-generation immigrant families in the US, to racism in academia, to body autonomy of disabled people, to AI’s encroachment on humanity, Death of the Author weaves in various thematic elements that are relevant today but also relevant always. Zelu’s life and struggles to navigate everything without having a template prime her to be remembered as a pioneer, but this story details the toll the messiness of the situation can take on a person. That’s why Zelu is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve ever read. She’s bold, impulsive, decisive, but also insecure, angry, and insensitive. She’s a mess but so, so justified in being one. That also makes her triumphs feel so much brighter – professional advancement, technological advancement, adventure, and finally love for herself.

I will say that for me, this book failed to have an ending as compelling as the set-up. The final third rushes through the action so much that Zelu’s mental health situation feels glossed over despite informing her impulsive actions, the side characters blend into background noise, and the above-discussed themes feel more like observations than a meaningful statement. It’s worth the read for those who like to ruminate on those topics and discuss further. I am left thinking more about the ways the book hits a myriad of intersectional issues rather than the story’s plot.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. Death of the Author will be published January 14, 2025.