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readingafrica's review against another edition
4.0
This memoir is very intimate and evocative. Akwaeke Emezi describes some of their lowest moments in detail, and talks openly about their experience in the publishing world. I didn't quite understand the "Black spirit" aspect of this Black Spirit memoir and would've liked directions to educational resources (at the very least). There were a lot of moments when the author wrote in a self-self-aggrandizing way about the experience being a literal diety (the embodiment of a spirit) or about their relationship with the "brothersisters" that I didn't quite get. I think that proves the author's point that this book isn't for the masses, that they aren't trying to make themselves palatable for mere humans anymore. So I guess I respect it.
There were many relatable moments in the memoir, and many dark, gory moments (like when they fantasised about cannibalism). My favourite chapters/letters were "Deathspace | Dear Marguerite", "Deity | Dear Eloghosa" "Money | Dear Nonso", and "Shiny | Dear Marguerite".
There were many relatable moments in the memoir, and many dark, gory moments (like when they fantasised about cannibalism). My favourite chapters/letters were "Deathspace | Dear Marguerite", "Deity | Dear Eloghosa" "Money | Dear Nonso", and "Shiny | Dear Marguerite".
hannah_and_her_stories's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Medical content, Dysphoria, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, Medical trauma, Drug use, and Self harm
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Murder, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Rape
Minor: Cancer
ampersandie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
bugspikes's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.5
a wonderfully informative sequel to freshwater. The way Emezi describes their self-perception alongside what is actually happening is gut-wrenchingly close to the bone. You can smell the hot blood.
janagaton's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't know how much I needed this collection of experiences until I picked it up. Emezi's writing is exquisite, and they truly know how to convey the exact emotions that are extremely difficult to put into coherent, concise phrases. This memoir made me cry several times, and I can't wait to read it again someday.
royallyr's review against another edition
5.0
wouldn’t dream of giving this book anything less than 5 stars. wow. just wow.
faizastra's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0