The Girl with the Magic Hands

by Nnedi Okorafor

When Chidera hears voices near her village's well, she delves into the woods to find them. Discovering a world of beautiful drawings, she cannot imagine how her world is about to change.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Africa, Middle Grade, Short Stories, Science Fiction

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Nnedi Okorafor is a New York Times Bestselling writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. The more specific terms for her works are africanfuturism and africanjujuism, both terms she coined and defined. Born in the United States to two Nigerian (Igbo) immigrant parents and visiting family in Nigeria since she was a child, the foundation and inspiration of Nnedi’s work is rooted in this part of Africa. Her many works include Who Fears Death (winner of the World Fantasy Award and in development at HBO as a TV series), the Nebula and Hugo award winning novella trilogy Binti (in development as a TV series), the Lodestar and Locus Award winning Nsibidi Scripts Series, LaGuardia (winner of a Hugo and Eisner awards for Best Graphic Novel) and her most recent novella Remote Control. Her debut novel Zahrah the Windseeker won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. She lives with her daughter Anyaugo in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more about Nnedi at Nnedi.com and follow Nnedi on twitter (as @Nnedi), Facebook and Instagram.

Reviews

[Nnedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRL WITH THE MAGIC HANDS is about the power of art, the will of girls and the fact that usually it's a good idea to listen to the trees.

[Jan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was seven there was a book my mother had bought me that I read over and over. It was one of those cheap, light-weight hardbacks of the ilk of a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book. Was it before paperback books? This was '52 or '53. It was a story about two girls who lived in an orphanage; twins, I think, or best friends, and they weren't treated well. They weren't given enough food, and the proprietor was mean. So they ran away! They were taken in by a family who treated them lovingly. Someone--the woman or mother?--made them pancakes and syrup. Incidentally, I think this was the book in which I learned the word "recipe." At first I thought it was a two-syllable word with a long i and silent e. A light-bulb went on over my head when I eventually connected the word on the page with the word I heard spoken in the kitchen.

So, anyway, I read this book repeatedly. Apparently that worried my mother. Did she fear it would make me anti-authority or rebellious? One day I looked for it and it was gone; she'd donated it at a used book sale. My recall of that book may be off. I haven't been able to remember its name. She got it for me along with another book of the same description that may have had a title with something about a house on (cherry blossom?) hill, but I haven't been able to find anything like that online. Maybe the books were second-hand even then. The second one wasn't half as good.

The Girl with the Magic Hands is a little bit like my disappeared book, but about transformation from inside, without running away. As I understand it, it's part of a collection of literature for children who need the magic of books. For children who need hope.

The book wields a positive punch. Reading it provided a gentle balm that soothed the savage breast and encouraged the creative spirit.

At the end the author seemed unwilling to leave the pleasant magic as magic and wanted to go on and explain art and creativity on a more literal level, but, hey, leave the magic alone! Would children really need that sort of explanation? I don't think so. The effort dimmed the book's glow momentarily but didn't extinguish it.

I enjoyed this little book and can always use a positive impact like that.

[Stephanie Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bittersweet read for me. It is a story in which art is inherently transformative, and the development of artistic talent a story in and of itself. It is a story in which art is the antidote to indifference, but I, its reader, live in a world in which most art, most true creativity, is (forgive the double negative) not responded to with anything but indifference. I live in a world that would make even the most brave-hearted gecko shudder: Silicon Valley.

Nnedi Okorafor made me believe again, if only for a few hours. She made me believe in the misfit artist who finds redemption in her gift. She made me believe that beauty is as tangible a human need as food, water, and air. She made me believe in the power of the strange, and the things that only the very old and the very young know.

[Amoureusedeslivres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une formidable ode au dessin, à l’observation et à la création, et à toute la joie que ça peut apporter au monde.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolutely delightful tale! I want to be the girl in this story: she can literally change hearts - even her own - through her magical drawings ... so beautiful... after I read it, I read it to my 3 daughters and they loved it too, especially the one who loves drawing :)

[Graziella (AuxPetitsBonheurs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce petit roman graphique jeunesse est un vrai coup de coeur. La beauté des mots suit celle des illustrations, dans un univers à la fois onirique grâce à la magie de l’art de Chidera, mais également réaliste, au coeur des traditions nigérianes. C’est un ouvrage important, qui traite d’une transformation intérieure, du moment où l’on comprend que la magie est en nous et qu’avec de l’amour et de la confiance, on est capable de tout. L’art en est le catalyseur, et l’on voit les dessins qui jalonnent le roman devenir de plus en plus beaux, précis, colorés et vivants au fil de l’évolution de Chidera, d’une enfant triste à une jeune fille fière.

J’ai apprécié découvrir les traditions nigérianes et la magie qui coule dans ce pays, à travers une douceur et une poésie incroyable. On sent une légère critique sociale de la part de l’autrice mais c’est le pouvoir des femmes qui transparait le plus, à travers la courageuse et rayonnante Chidera et ses amies. Je recommande clairement la lecture de cet ouvrage qui réchauffe le coeur et rend une étincelle de beauté à la vie, qu’on perd parfois dans notre monde moderne.

[Salma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Even the greatest drawing started with a line.And that line is like the road;you never know where it will take you".

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.It seems like a cliche since the girl's life changes with just a single occurence which is pretty dominant in most fantasy books but in my opinion,this one had a little touch to it;the magic pen the girl had did not make her draw or start to draw but instead motivated her to draw.I realized this book was about being fearless;the pen made her realize her talent and even with all the criticism by her parents and even teacher Chinedra went on ahead to display her talent and that made me love this book more!

[xiny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Qué rabia me da que estropeen cuentos infantiles con una moraleja explícita que apesta un poco a autoayuda. No me ha parecido que Okorafor escribiera mal, y tengo ganas de que me llegue una novela suya que he pedido, pero esta no la recomiendo.

[UrbanWildflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

So incredibly inspiring. And reading this on the heels of seeing and listening to Renee Stout? Perfection. I am a woman with magic hands . . . .

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and magical novella about the transformative power of art.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely fable about the power of art, the healing community of women, and the timeless energy of trees.

[Robin Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical, sweet.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

'La Fille aux mains magiques' (original: The Girl with the Magic Hands) is a novella that was originally released as e-book in 2013. The French Éditions ActuSF has earlier publisher 'Qui a peur de la mort?' (Who Fears Death?), the Binti-novels, and the anthology 'Kabu Kabu', the latter of which I enjoyed a lot (my review).

Éditions ActuSF chose to not simply translate the novella, but also publish it under its graphic label, which debuted with 'La Guerre des trois rois' by Jean-Laurent Del Socorro (2020, my review) and 'L'hypothèse du lézard' by Alan Moore (2020). The illustrations were created by inhouse artist Zariel. Apparently, he was given some carte blanche to draw what he thought would fit the story or scenes best. Zariel implemented African influences and symbols. While Africans have a passion for colour, there are only a few coloured drawings in this edition, aside from the full-coloured cover and dust jacket; the others are in grayscale/black-and-white. Like the other graphic novel(la)s, a reading ribbon helps you indicate where you are in the book. The last pages contains a selection of sketch drawings of possible characters.

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The French translation - hats off for the result - was provided by Cécile Duquenne, also a writer. I've only read one book by her: Les Brigades du Steam (2019, my review), which she wrote together with Étienne Barillier. Mr Barillier wrote a.o. 'Le Guide Steampunk' (2019, my review) and 'Le Guide Philip K. Dick' (2019, my review).

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In 'La Fille aux mains magiques', we travel once more to a village in Nigeria, as Ms Okorafor has Nigerian roots. We follow a little girl by the name of Chidera. She's not brought up in a wealthy background: Mother tries to sell their garden's produce as well as self-sculpted wooden figures (so-called good-luck charms) on the market, father has a day job, sometimes even skips breakfast when times are hard. In any case, the family can't afford to spend what they don't have. At least, Chidera has the basic outfit and requirements for school.

At home, she's not the most-wanted child; father wanted her to be a boy, probably because of cultural or societal rules/influence, but not in the least because he thinks she has no talents (Watch out for his reaction near the end of the story). Girls are not highly esteemed, it seems. In school, too, Chidera isn't the most popular girl. Not that she wants to be, contrary to others, like one of her friends who does nothing but look at her reflection in a pocket-mirror to make sure her look is perfect.

One time, when Chidera is to fetch water from a source far away, because of which she will be late in school, she perceives three distinct voices coming from the forest nearby. As she ventures deeper into the forest, the source of the voices is revealed. The magic of nature. Three spiritual beings invite her to open up her heart, spill the beans. They draw her a leaf on her hand, like a tattoo, a first example of the Uli art (Wikipedia), which hasn't been in use for a long time. That's when the magic starts to develop.

The tattoo unleashes its magic less than 24 hours later and will last for quite some time. That's also when Chidera will open up, will apply her until then hidden talent (drawing, expression through art, particularly the long-lost Uli), which is like a drug rushing through her body. Despite her upbringing, she's determined to improve her personal and her family's situation, secretly and totally engulfed by her newfound power.

Soon enough, Chidera will no longer be the ugly duckling of the village, nor will her parents and her have to live in such poor conditions. All thanks to the power and magic of nature, of trees, forests, and its magical inhabitants.

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While 'La Fille aux mains magiques' is set in Nigeria and contains cultural references (Igbo-people, Uli-art, ...), it's a tale that can be applied to any culture, nation or age/era. Many children (or adults when they were children) have experienced or are experiencing a similar or identical situation, even in this digital age. Potential talents are not being discovered or with luck at a late(r) age and with the right support.

The Dutch band After Forever made an album about a somewhat similar subject: Invisible Circles (2004, YouTube-link). The Italian band Rhapsody (of Fire) had a similar message: "Remember, proud brothers... everything is possible... when you let the mystic power of the dragonflame burn in your heart... believe it... ...it's the dragonflame!" (album: The Power Of The Dragonflame, song: Gargoyles, Angels Of Darkness, 2002, YouTube-link)

'La Fille aux mains magiques' is not the happiest of stories, but has a positive turn-around/outcome. The kind of story one can turn to when times get rough. The kind of story that shows how important nature and the environment are in one's life (from early on), as source of inspiration, a place to come to rest, to recharge one's batteries, ... Even more than before, considering the state of the modern world. See also, for example, Richard Power's excellent 'The Overstory' (my review).

And finally, a story that shows how important it is to be able to use one's innate talents, to have them uncovered, to make the world a better place.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Une merveilleuse fable sur la puissance de la créativité, superbement illustrée pour cette version française.

[Abyssinia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very, very cute.

[Sirbooksage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story reminding you to open your senses and listen to the voice of the trees, to unlock the gifts passed down through generations. To take that first step down a path of transformation.

[SR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really satisfying.

[Liz Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The length of this had me wanting to read more, and I wish we could have returned to the women in the forest. None the less this is a beautifully told story in the style of fairytales, from now, or from a long time ago. I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Simple and lyrical prose coming from the mouth of an old man who sits and watches all day, breathes life into this gorgeous tale.

[Kevin Sells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired

This is a story that made me smile... a lot. It's clean, and straightforward, and very, very bright. The young girl is a sympathetic, real and truly lovable character. The narrator is written so that he disappears and pops back in just when you forget he was there.
This story starts darkly and goes to a place one wouldn't expect. But it's a story that can and will make you feel so much better that you read it.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but very sweet. It was just the kind of uplifting story that I need more of these days. A child discovers her artistic gift thanks to her ancestors and elders, and she uses it to make her home and community better. I would hug this story if I could.

[Althea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okorafor does it again.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it! Nice short read.

[steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic💖

[Edward Creter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nnedi Okorafor, an award winning author from Nigeria, has created a work of art about a young girl who, well, creates works of art. Little Chidera is eleven years old, and already she dreams of doing more than just going to school to get insulted daily by an uncaring male teacher. She gets out of class into the village, and meets a group of artist women who show her the secret of art comes from within. Anyone artistic, according to African beliefs, is endowed with special magic, and Chidera is seen as quite gifted, even though she doesn't know it yet. She is given a pen with special ink which, according to lore, won't run out and gives out incredible color. Chidera does paintings with her pen and, like so many artists before her, from Renoir to Eastman Kodak, she gets a fan base, and friends she never knew suddenly become her admirers. Where she takes her art, where she takes the reader, is for the magic to decide. This rare kid's eBook is on the Worldreader site so a lot of kids may not be able to read or enjoy this one, which is a beautiful story filled with the same mystery and magic one gets from Kipling or the stories of Anansi the Spider, good African folklore that wraps you in its warm cocoon of wonder and fun. Try to find this one. It's like the song from the wonderful Billy Ocean: a picture perfect painting of a love forever true. A love which gives birth to a creative gift that only God himself can bestow.
Five cokes
Nigeriart totally ROCKS!!!

[Garance J. Bonadonna (The Nerdy Artivist) · Rating 3 out of 5]

D'habitude je lis toujours les livres anglophones dans leur langue originale, mais j'ai fais une exception pour cet ouvrage, parce que la version anglaise n'avait pas les magnifiques illustrations de Zariel.

C'est un très joli conte africain qui nous fait découvrir la culture de l'uli, une forme de dessin qui célèbre le monde, la nature et l'être humain. C'est bien écrit, tout en simplicité, avec poésie. L'histoire se lit très vite.
Je suis très admirative du personnage de Chidera, qui malgré des parents misérables, a le courage d'embrasser sa carrière de dessinatrice. C'est motivant et inspirant.

Ce que j'ai le plus aimé était les illustrations de Zariel qui sont empruntes de magie. C'est beau, on peut passer des heures à regarder les détails des pages, avec des dessins qui jouent sur les contrastes et les lignes. C'est vraiment très beau, j'en suis immédiatement tombée amoureuse. Cela nous permet de nous plonger encore plus dans cette histoire, les dessins mettent en valeur les mots et les mots inspirent les illustrations. Sublime.

Un livre court qui permettra aux plus jeunes de découvrir la culture africaine et peut être de se découvrir une passion pour le dessin!

[L.ivresse.des.mots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battements d’ailes de papillons

Je n’arrive pas à croire que je l’ai laissé si longtemps dans ma bibliothèque sans même y prêter attention.

Ce que j’aime ici c’est l’histoire dans l’histoire. Les récits qui s’entremêlent et tissent une toile autour d’un être que l’on ne peut s’empêcher d’identifier (à nous?).

D’où viennent nos problèmes, notre tristesse, nos émotions sont-elles notre reflet intérieur. Qu’est ce qui se cache sous la surface ?

J’ai vraiment adoré le déroulement et les imperfections liées à la lecture, un peu lisse sur la fin, de la vie de la petite fille aux mains magiques.

L’autrice nous livre les secrets de l’Uli. [Je trouve dommage que l’on trouve très peu d’information en dehors des mots couchés sur le papier], car cet art ne m’a pas laissée indifférente.

Une incroyable bienveillance et des dessins époustouflants qui viennent agrémenter ce moment.

🖼👴🏿🌽💧🏺🌳🦎🍃🪞🕷✍️🎨📚📈🛤🕸

[Shani Walihinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The girl with the magic hands is a fiction, a small book and a fast read. Chidera finds out the magic that was eager to be leashed out, through a tiny walk, at a time of destituteness. Life changing art of Uli; a specific art of drawing and painting, changes Chidera's life into a bright era of happiness. The writer brings out the picture of a 11 year old girl who started from a pen; picked up from the road, and is on her way toward an art of fame for the world. Maybe it is time Monalisa is replaced, in a sense of hierarchical importance, by a painting of a girl from a small town.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Your daughter plays god,” Osondu said with an amazed chuckle. “She has recreated the world.”
“Goddess,” Chidera corrected.

What a lovely story! The Girl with the Magic Hands is about a girl named Chidera who is growing up in an unnamed Nigerian village. Through a mysterious, enchanting experience, she learns about the traditional Igbo designs called "uli" and, with her newfound artistic abilities, brings joy to those around her. This is a story about girl power and the magic of art. Can't wait to teach this to my 9th grade English class next year. :)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short and sweet story about a girl who harnesses her talent and shares it willingly is quite beautiful. I loved the descriptions of falling deeply in love with creation of art, the joy it brings the artist, and the introspection for those who experience the art. This story opens talking about the experience of viewing beautiful art and how it makes you feel, and closes by encouraging people to take these experiences of the world and art to create your own art, and how creation can be magical.

[Fungi Lumini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un roman graphique court qui m’a énormément plu : Chidera, petite fille sans histoire, découvre qu’elle a un don pour le dessin et va par la même occasion raviver les traditions de ces ancêtres. Un récit plein de force, de courage et de belles émotions, enrichi par les illustrations atypiques de Zariel. Un livre à mettre entre les mains des petits et grands !

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