Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology is a 2023 science fantasy anthology edited by Wole Talabi. The anthology brings together various authors writing stories set in a shared fictional universe.
Background
The Sauúti Collective began as a partnership between Syllble and Brittle Paper.
During a 2024 interview on the podcast I Should Be Writing, Wole Talabi discussed the experience of working with different authors within the shared literary universe that is the Sauútiverse. The Sauútiverse has a "story bible" which contains information about the setting, helping to maintain continuity between stories. Talabi described the process as collaborative rather than individualistic.
Contents
"Foreword: I Dream Of Sauúti" by Fabrice Guerrier "Welcome to the Sauútiverse" by Wole Talabi "Our Mother, Creator" by Stephen Embleton and Wole Talabi "What Has No Mouth" by Dare Segun Falowo "The Way of Baa'gh" by Cheryl S. Ntumy "The Grove’s Lament" by Tobias S. Buckell "Xhova" Adelehin Ijasan "A City, a Desert, and All Their Dirges" by Somto Ihezue and Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki "Sina, the Child with No Echo" by Eugen Bacon "The Rakwa Wa-Ya'yn" by Stephen Embleton and Wole Talabi "Undulation" by Stephen Embleton "The Hollowed People" by T. L. Huchu "Muting Echoes, Breaking Tradition" by Eye Kay Nwaogu "Kalabashing" by J. Umeh "Lost in the Echoes" by Xan van Rooyen "Hologhiri" by Akintoba Kalejaye
Reception and awards
Publishers Weekly gave the anthology a starred review, stating that it "stands out for both its cross-genre reach and the immense scope of its ambitions." The review praised the diversity of the stories, which range in tone from light-hearted to horror. The review stated that the shared universe feels like the start of "something monumental."
Michaela Teschendorff Harden reviewed the anthology for Aurealis. Harden stated that each story in the anthology was interconnected, creating a "novelistic" style despite the various authors. The review praised the blending of science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as the inclusion of cultural elements from Africa and the African diaspora. Regarding the anthology's thematic content, Harden commented on the stories "The Way of Baa'gh" and "Muting Echoes, Breaking Tradition." Both stories examine the inherent dangers of colonialism and its violent impacts. The review concluded that "Mothersound is an in-depth introduction to the new world of Sauúti. Every story is intricate and moving, constructing the building blocks for future Sauúti projects."
+ Awards and honors Work Year Award Category Result 2023 BSFA Award Short Fiction Mothersound 2023 BSFA Award Collection 2024 British Fantasy Award Anthology Locus Award Anthology 2023 BSFA Award Short Fiction 2023 BSFA Award Shorter Fiction 2024 Nommo Award Novella 2023 BSFA Award Short Fiction 2024 Nommo Award Short Story
References