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fantasynovel's review against another edition
4.0
Really good but a little too over-written. There were small moments that were so perfect and true, which makes me think that the entire book must be perfect and true, even the parts I can't relate to. I'm thinking specifically of when Ada is trying to calm herself down by thinking gentle things to herself in the therapist's office, and when she addresses herself in a bathroom mirror while drunk. Really, really small moments, but very truthful.
rossgr's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so surprising and gave words to the most difficult emotions to describe. Loved it and definitely recommend!
anxietyberry's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Points for extreme unique POV and experimentation. Points for using African mythological figures (Ogbanje) as central tool.
rororollinginthedeep's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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
thebiffbiff's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
macwar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
froggy1png's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
A real insightful read, so beautifully written 😭✨👏🏻
Graphic: Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Death, Homophobia, Grief, Car accident, Alcohol, Addiction, Body horror, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Rape, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Body shaming, Mental illness, Violence, Biphobia, and Suicide attempt
paigereitz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bugspikes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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
I couldn't put this down.
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.