Promised Land: The Encoding

Promised Land: The Encoding by Katib bin Vilio is a tangled narrative set in a dystopian future where the laws of physics are metaphorically applied to the lives of the African diaspora. The story follows Ida, Soweto, and Abeni—three young Black women who, on a trip across the United States. They encounter supernatural occurrences involving their ancestors and historical traumas through water, a symbol of communication and memory. As they meet with spirits, explore historical sites, and experience police brutality, they unravel a deeper connection between water, history, and their collective identity. The narrative features a series of mystical and violent events that challenge their understanding of reality, history, and their purpose, forcing them to confront their roles in a larger, unseen struggle for liberation and remembrance. Guided by an unseen force, these three friends unravel a suppressed black history that will change their lives and how they see themselves and those around them.

Katib bin Vilio’s novel is revolutionary, a somewhat protest work that reprimands the gradual erosion of black history, and this author uses an unconventional genre to explore this theme, infusing the writing with elements of the supernatural and mystery. I was fascinated by the dystopian setting spanning various locations in the United States, from Florida to Georgia, with vivid descriptions of historical landmarks, segregated water fountains, and modern urban landscapes. The characters—Ida, Soweto, and Abeni—are well-developed, each representing different facets of Black identity, grit, and brokenness. Ida’s quest to discover her roots, Soweto’s fierce protector spirit, and Abeni’s spiritual faith form a compelling trio whose interactions reveal themes of ancestry, memory, and resistance. The book explores complex themes such as racial injustice, cultural legacy, spiritual awakening, and the cyclical nature of history. The supernatural elements become allegories for the presence of ancestral spirits and the ongoing fight for acknowledgment and justice. Promised Land: The Encoding is one of the best novels I have read that explores black history and the burden of remembering where they came from.