Erna Brodber’s The Rainmaker’s Mistake and Nothing’s Mat as Afrofuturistic and Speculative Fiction

In these two of Erna Brodber’s later novels, the author imaginatively speculates on the development of the diaspora and family history. Time- and space-shifting are important in both novels. In fact, both novels represent speculative, or Afrofuturistic, fiction in form and thought, given their futuristic themes that bring in elements of black history and culture. Brodber deploys innovative devices to reflect on the persistent costs of slavery on families and relationships.