War Girls

by Tochi Onyebuchi
War Girls cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Technical
  • ID: 1452
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-06
  • ISBN: 9780451481689
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2019-10-15
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 3

Set in 2172, War Girls presents a world ravaged by climate change and nuclear disasters, where the lucky few have escaped to space colonies. In Nigeria, a brutal civil war rages on, with soldiers equipped with advanced technology battling in the harsh, radiation-filled environment. Onyii and Ify, two sisters, are torn apart by the conflict but remain determined to find each other again, hoping for a future of peace and unity. Their journey is one of survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between siblings./n/nAcclaimed author Tochi Onyebuchi crafts an immersive and action-packed narrative that blends futuristic warfare with deeply personal stakes. Inspired by the world of Black Panther, this novel explores themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, making it a compelling read for fans of dystopian and science fiction.

Reviews
Elitist Book Reviews · Jane Funk · 2020-09-08
thought-provoking 4.00

The book masterfully combines elements of mechs, nuclear apocalypse, trauma, and sisterhood to explore the costs of war. The narrative is both engaging and emotionally resonant.

Jane Funk's review praises the book for its intricate weaving of multiple themes, including mechs, nuclear apocalypse, trauma, and sisterhood. She finds the exploration of these themes both compelling and emotionally resonant. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the way their relationships are portrayed, especially the bond between the sisters. The narrative's ability to tackle heavy subjects while maintaining an engaging story is highlighted as a major strength. Funk's review suggests that the book is a must-read for those interested in thought-provoking science fiction.

Quick quotes

    Onyebuchi's WAR GIRLS weaves together mechs, nuclear apocalypse, trauma, and sisterhood in an exploration of the costs of war.

    The narrative's ability to tackle heavy subjects while maintaining an engaging story is highlighted as a major strength.

    The book is a must-read for those interested in thought-provoking science fiction.

SF/F Book Review · 2020-07-10
harrowing 3.50

The book is disturbing but not gratuitously graphic, highlighting the harsh realities faced by young girls in a war-torn future. The emotional impact is profound and thought-provoking.

This review highlights the emotional weight of the story, emphasizing how the author manages to convey the brutality of war without being overly graphic. The reviewer finds the narrative deeply disturbing, particularly the experiences of the young protagonists. The book's exploration of trauma and resilience is praised for its authenticity and impact. The reviewer appreciates the way the story tackles heavy themes while keeping the reader engaged and emotionally invested. The harrowing journey of the sisters is a testament to the author's skill in weaving a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

Quick quotes

    It's not graphic and not gratuitous, but I was frequently disturbed by the things these young girls have to go through.

    The emotional impact is profound and thought-provoking.

    The book's exploration of trauma and resilience is praised for its authenticity and impact.

The New York Times · 2019-11-06
powerful 4.00

The book serves as a corrective to the lack of literature about the Biafran War, offering a unique and powerful perspective on historical and futuristic conflict.

This review from The New York Times highlights the book's significance as a corrective to the historical gap in literature about the Biafran War. The reviewer appreciates the unique perspective offered by the author, blending historical events with a futuristic setting. The narrative's exploration of conflict and its impact on individuals is praised for its depth and originality. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful and thought-provoking read, offering a fresh take on both historical and science fiction genres. The emotional and thematic weight of the story is noted as particularly striking.

Quick quotes

    In his author's note, Onyebuchi says 'War Girls' is meant as a corrective to 'the frightening lack of literature' about this period of Nigerian history.

    The narrative's exploration of conflict and its impact on individuals is praised for its depth and originality.

    The book is a powerful and thought-provoking read, offering a fresh take on both historical and science fiction genres.

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