Reviews with content warning for Suicide attempt - Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir

Reviews tagging 'Suicide attempt'

Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi

115 reviews

ashleysbookthoughts's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

4.5

In my book, Akwaeke Emezi can do no wrong. I’ve loved every book of theirs I’ve read and all of their books are so different. When I read Freshwater back in 2018, it blew my mind. I wish I’d had bookstagram back then so I could have talked through it with someone!

Dear Senthuran is an honest, raw memoir in letters that goes into great depth regarding Emezi’s belief that they are ogbanje and just how much of a memoir-in-fiction that Freshwater was. It is at times hard to read (they go into great depth regarding suicidal ideation and past attempts) but always compelling and interesting. It at times can be hard work being in Emezi’s head – there is a lot of conflict here, which is probably a big part of why their stories are so emotionally evocative, but it’s definitely worth the journey.

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booksonadventures's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective slow-paced

4.5

I first stumbled upon Akwaeke Emezi with their first novel, Freshwater. Since then, Emezi's writing has continuously enraptured me across genres, even if their penchant for devious characters can sometimes push my comfort zone. After reading Dear Senthuran, I returned to the headwaters of Emezi's career to submerge myself in their story... finding myself, once again, swept away.

I highly recommend reading these two as a duology of sorts. Freshwater introduces us to Ada, a spirit child who fractures under the injustice of the world but realigns as her true self, something bigger and more powerful. In Dear Senthuran, Emezi leaves no room for misunderstanding, they are not your average trickster spirit but a god-child in human flesh.

This delicious combination shows an overlap between Ada the character and Akwaeke the person, blurring the line between reality and fiction. In truth, it doesn't matter what is "real." Both works offer an intimate portrayal of Emezi's ogbanje experience or, in their words, spiritual self-portraiture. It's an honor to swim in the depth of their mind.

Dear Senthuran is not an easy read, and not only because of Emezi's self-proclaimed egotism. This memoir is a raw portrayal of depression, suicidal ideation, dysphoria, and heartbreak. Also, I am not going to pretend that I understand everything shared here. Which... fair, I am not the target audience but I love that.

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maaaans's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

5.0

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aishallnot's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective tense

4.0

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ambero's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.0

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mscalls's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

3.5

Powerful.

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cheerfully_chaotic_leo's review against another edition

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dark hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

4.25

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sofipitch's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective slow-paced

4.75

Once again Emezi is the most talented contemporary writer. Their story and experience is one of impressive resilience. They also seen to have an extremely strong sense of self and self worth which I covet. Reading this book could not have happened at a better time, while it was difficult in some places the wisdom Emezi emparted was extremely helpful as well as their belief in working for the future you want

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olivetales's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.25

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wholeottabooks's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

I don’t think I’ve ever read a more vulnerable memoir than this. Emezi is one of my favorite authors and I don’t think anyone elses writing can even begin to compare. Emezi is out of this world and beyond our time. They discuss non binary non human forms of life, the dedication and sacrifice it takes to reach your dreams, the solitude upon reaching them, and so much more. I wanted to hold Akwaeke and tell them how much they mean to me.. how much their mind, heart, and soul, and words speak to me… This memoir has many valuable life lessons and I think it’s one that’s meant to be savored, cherished like a sacred text, and studied for reflections.

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