Book Review: Edge of Here: A Journey into the Soul of Black Existence

Paris James offer their take on debut collection by Kelechi Okarafor.

A review of Kelechi Okarafor’s collection Edge of Here: A Journey into the Soul of Black Existence. A thought-provoking and uplifting collection of stories exploring contemporary Black womanhood.

by Paris James

“This captivating introduction set the stage for a narrative that seamlessly wove together spirituality, ancestral wisdom, and the multifaceted experiences of the Black community.”

My encounter with Edge of Here unfolded at an exciting  book launch, an event pulsating with palpable  anticipation. Authored by the brilliant Kelechi Okafor, this work opened its pages to me the moment I queued up to collect my signed copy. As Kelechi read a passage, I was immediately transported into the council in the spirit realm, following the intriguing life journey of Simi, a high councilwoman sent to Earth to fulfil her purpose of exploring the reincarnation of the highest powers. This captivating introduction set the stage for a narrative that seamlessly wove together spirituality, ancestral wisdom, and the multifaceted experiences of the Black community. A perfect ending to the book, which started with The Watchers in the spiritual realm, “the silver between this world and the next,” and ended there in the council.

"The Watchers" introduces us to the concept of reincarnation and soul connection, exploring the destiny of two lovers Chinonso and Ndidi, destined to find each other in different lifetimes. The theme of soul connections resonates deeply, experiencing past lives with one another, knowing their soul, and the gravitational pull towards each other.The portrayal of a pandemic-induced, physically distant world navigating their connection in pods eerily parallels our recent experiences with COVID and lockdowns. You are left contemplating whether their unbreakable bond resurfaces in later chapters of the book but as different people, as these themes were also apparent in "School Run" and "The Other Man."

“These relatable stories are deeply rooted in African ancestral practices…”

During the break, I impatiently opened the book, gripping the first page, unable to focus on the rest of the event. A creative spin on my existing beliefs brings more understanding to the afterlife, the choices made pre-existence, and the complicated path to fulfilling our purpose. This struck a chord with me, given my longstanding interest in Akashic records, reincarnation, soul mates, and twin flames. These relatable stories are deeply rooted in African ancestral practices, bringing them to life in a more urban setting. Kelechi was very personable, down to earth, and candid throughout the event, like watching a conversation between two friends. She has a frank and unapologetic way of expressing Black stories, tip-toeing on the line of controversy and ethics without a care of who she might offend; these were our stories to tell. Respectfully. They were compelling and not only gave us a voice in relatable content but also brought others into our world, giving us a glimpse of our experiences as Black people. Kelechi brought us into her mind, sharing her hopes and fears for the UK Black culture in the past, present, and future. Inspired by true spiritual practices, interpreting varying perspectives of Black life, exaggerating plots, and embellishing it with the use of technology. What is unsettling and terrifying is my genuine belief the scenarios illustrated in the stories are likely to exist. I can picture similar events happening in our future.

"Blue” and “Broom” illuminate black women's pain, oppression, and empathic strength. They stand as a tribute to Black Queens, delving into the metaphorical journey of pain that black women often bear, acting as empathic guardians. A special tribute to "Blue," a favourite character of mine, that really brought this journey to life. As an empath, this hit home and enlightened me to a creative way of telling the Black woman’s story of pain. Despite its impactful message, the ending leaves a lingering desire for more, left me screaming,”NO!!!”. There it was, the last page- which according to Kelechi held a sentiment shared by many. She also expressed that Blue invokes the most reactions, and if she had to finish any of the stories or be any of the characters, she would choose Ibby in Blue.

"Ally Chip" and "Uterustar" tackle ethical questions around technology, racism, and social media in an innovatively thought-provoking way. "Ally Chip" delves into subtle racism in the UK, pushing the boundaries of empathy. This is an important storyline in initiating the development of technology; the creative evolution throughout the book was incredible. Kelechi has representation for polyamory and the LGBTQIA+ Black community, which is a rarity I extremely appreciate. "Uterustar" feels current, exploring social media rankings and the influencer lifestyle. The twist in this is phenomenal and brings up negative emotions towards specific characters throughout the whole story. Both stories prompt readers to ponder the extremes society can reach.

The authentic experience at the Blacklisted Book Club event enriched the understanding of the book's characters and events. The event's ambiance, evoking Nigerian ancestral singing, set the tone for an authentic journey into Black experiences. A beautiful queen was emotionally ushering in our ancestors as she welcomed us. I sat there, embracing the whole experience, observing everyone around me doing the same. Kelechi's narrative style, often leaving stories on cliffhangers, sparked a curiosity that I greatly enjoyed. Using my imagination, as a writer myself, I appreciate setting the scene and reading like I’m watching a movie. It seems like Kelechi thoroughly enjoyed having us on the edge of our seats as we celebrated the diverse facets of Blackness.

Edge of Here is not merely a book; it's a profound expression of Black existence. Kelechi Okafor skillfully interweaves reality with fantasy in a way that captivates us in a world like Black Mirror, only from a Black perspective. She dispels stereotypes and offers an empowering portrayal of Black spirituality. The stories vastly celebrate pain, resilience, success, history, spirituality, and women, presenting a refreshing departure from the typical misrepresentations of gangs and trauma that usually depict our culture. Our culture and spiritual history have been stripped from us, distorted, and fed back to us in lies. Through familiar spiritual experiences and creative storytelling, Kelechi reinstates the authenticity of Black culture, leaving readers with a perfect balance of history, drama, relatability, and creativity. I loved how Kelechi so cleverly intertwined reality with fantasy, and that’s what makes this book such an amazing expression of our blackness, inspiring hope, and connection.

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