AFROFUTURIST BIBLE

In this speculative novel, a Black missionary with supernatural abilities spreads the word of the bible he’s currently writing.

This tale’s unnamed narrator has dedicated himself to saving humanity. His “AFROFuturist bible” is a work in progress. He argues that all “worldwide mythologies” originated in Africa and promotes racial equality. Like many religious crusaders, this man—a supposed demigod who admits to using such trickery as sleight of hand—has his share of enemies. Former disciple Andrew Hippo angrily confronts him, claiming he’s a “charlatan,” and armed men try robbing him while he’s on a private African beach with his lover, Nubia. He tends to calm people down with parables from the AFROFuturist bible. For example, Queen Nzingha urges two brothers in North Africa to end their slave trade, while an octopus’s and an otter’s copious differences hardly affect their profound mutual love. But before the narrator can complete his AFROFuturist manuscript, he must find and confront Anansi, the treacherous spider god and “original trickster,” who apparently threatens everyone. Battle’s compact tale is often humorous and occasionally cryptic. The narrator, for example, merely hints that he knows Jesus and has mingled with gods; he even mentions his supernatural powers, like teleportation, in passing. The author hits on serious topics, namely racism. But much of the story is tongue-in-cheek; the evangelical narrator declares that beer and wine are “some of the greatest human innovations,” and he travels with a handy “Red Casket” that carries everything from his manuscript to cold drinks and a powerful gem. Battle’s lyrical prose further elevates the text, with delightful alliteration in abundance—Nubia seemingly warns her lover of “deep dark demon doo-doo you can’t slither out of.” Although a sequel seems feasible, a couple of “holy commandments” at the end sum up this book’s positive spin.

A succinct, funny, and generally upbeat tale about race, religion, and unity.