Reviews

Süßwasser by Akwaeke Emezi

eli_abroad's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A unique exploration of the fractured self and how it manifests in the life of a young woman. It was not an enjoyable read for me, but I have to recognize the beauty in the complex portrait the author painted and the skill employed in creating it. There's also an element of cultural ignorance I felt (the religious and/or folkloric references were complete unknowns) that made the read uncomfortable. I wish I had the motivation to explore those elements to alleviate some of my discomfort, but unfortunately, the length of my TBR makes me content with just accepting that it wasn't a book for me and moving on.

suzannahslibrary's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

4.0

indy_q's review against another edition

4.0

A stunning piece of contemporary fiction. I loved this. It made me laugh and cry and despite some hard topics I couldn’t put it down. I think I read this in a couple of days.

golpesar818's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

thought at times overwritten, i think this is a glorious and lyrical work of fiction. very experimental too. 

laurynchandler's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark fast-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? No

4.0

hannahstrashcan's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional 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

4.0

mcip's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

smithnaomi's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

faizastra's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ljane44's review against another edition

5.0

The pain of this book is so vivid both in the hard scenes and the complications of joy. Healing from trauma is a universally hard experience and I loved seeing this perspective on what it means to grow and reckon with who you really are. I had trouble putting this book down and have absolutely loved everything by Akwaeke Emezi that I’ve read so far.