[Every day for the month of February, I will post a brief write-up of a Black author and links to some of their books. Please click the links in the text to find copies of their works.]
N.K. Jemisin is a critically acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author known for her imaginative world-building and thought-provoking storytelling. Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1972, Jemisin has been writing fiction since she was a child and has published numerous books and short stories. Her works explore a wide range of themes, including social justice, systemic oppression, and the complexities of human relationships.
One of Jemisin’s most notable works is her “Broken Earth” trilogy, which consists of the novels “The Fifth Season,” “The Obelisk Gate,” and “The Stone Sky.” Set in a world plagued by catastrophic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, this series follows the journey of a group of characters as they navigate the complex political and social landscape of their world. The “Broken Earth” trilogy has won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row, a feat that has never been achieved before.
Jemisin’s writing is characterized by her ability to craft intricate, multilayered worlds that are both fantastical and grounded in reality. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including African and African-American mythology, science fiction, and contemporary politics. Jemisin’s writing also often tackles complex social issues such as race, gender, and sexuality, and she has been praised for her nuanced and thought-provoking depictions of these topics.
In addition to her writing, Jemisin is also an active voice in the science fiction and fantasy community, using her platform to raise awareness about issues such as representation and diversity in the genre. She has been a strong advocate for marginalized voices and has worked to promote the work of other writers of color.
Sources:
- N.K. Jemisin official website – https://nkjemisin.com/
- “The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24253739-the-fifth-season
- Interview with N.K. Jemisin on Tor.com – https://www.tor.com/2016/08/17/interview-n-k-jemisin-on-the-fifth-season-the-hugo-awards-and-worldbuilding/
- N.K. Jemisin’s Hugo Awards – https://www.thehugoawards.org/search?search=N.K.+Jemisin
Calming the Natives 