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tishywishy's review against another edition
5.0
Let me start off by saying that I do not know exactly how to review this book. It was a bit odd to read this novel because I followed Akwaeke on Tumblr and enjoyed her blogging and social media camaraderie. To read this novel and realize I had read about these experience either as they occurred or her thoughts on vet school, mental health and art is a bit surreal. I knew when she was writing her novel, that she spent time in Trinidad doing so and met her at a local event. It is fascinating to know that this has been her experience, summed up in a fictional book, but it transcends way more than that. Freshwater is astounding.
The book begins with the birth of Ada who grows with dormant spirits within her until a devastating act in her college years opens the gateway to allow them in. Freshwater delves into the trials and encounters Ada faces as these different spirits within her surge to take the lead. There is one dominant spirit, Asugara, whose intentions for Ada are both intensely driven by love and loyalty as they are by maliciousness and greed. Freshwater may be fictional but is it follows the life and experiences of the author. This book is poetic and eerie, painful and endearing. A fantastic debut novel.
Spoiler
top surgery/hospital visitsSpoiler
+ the divorce.The book begins with the birth of Ada who grows with dormant spirits within her until a devastating act in her college years opens the gateway to allow them in. Freshwater delves into the trials and encounters Ada faces as these different spirits within her surge to take the lead. There is one dominant spirit, Asugara, whose intentions for Ada are both intensely driven by love and loyalty as they are by maliciousness and greed. Freshwater may be fictional but is it follows the life and experiences of the author. This book is poetic and eerie, painful and endearing. A fantastic debut novel.
elinidk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tbdaniel_111's review against another edition
4.0
this book is HEAVY, definitely look up content warnings before going in, dont be a fool like me and go in mostly blind. i will always wade through difficult subject matter for akwaeke emezi tho, even if it does mess me up after. this book is definitely magic, though
unfocusedcuriosity's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
laurren's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mitchiechel's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled a little to get through it and was kinda unsatisfied at the end. I did, however, like learning about these characters. I think it's still worth the read for that. The Ada went through a lot...
michkeenah's review against another edition
3.0
gosh what a book. had gravitas in so many aspects. also this is a good three! i really enjoyed the writing but i think i would have given it a better rating if i feel more connected to ada. they felt kinda distant from me, like i didn’t really know them. that was probably the point tbh
dancevera's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A deeply creative book by one of my favourite writers. Freshwater deals with some heavy themes, and sometimes I had trouble reading the raw pain, especially paired with spiritual language. However the changing view points was absolutely brilliant, and I am already considering giving it a second read through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Rape, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
shaunashares's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Blood, and Sexual assault