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vovwetonukari's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sondered's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Rape
isirla's review against another edition
Review to come. I need to reread the last few chapters in my physical book ;)
jenjenjenmolloy's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
seybolda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
africanbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
!!! https://africanbookaddict.com/2018/02/03/freshwater-by-akwaeke-emezi/
If I had known this book was as evil, dark and sinful as it was, I probably wouldn’t have bothered to read it. But now that I’ve marinated the story in my mind for a while, I can confidently declare that Freshwater is so much more than it’s insane level of lust and blasphemy. Freshwater is a dark, layered tale based in and out of the spiritual realm, which focuses on how past traumas deeply affect one’s well-being and mental health... (the FULL review is on the book blog - link above)
If I had known this book was as evil, dark and sinful as it was, I probably wouldn’t have bothered to read it. But now that I’ve marinated the story in my mind for a while, I can confidently declare that Freshwater is so much more than it’s insane level of lust and blasphemy. Freshwater is a dark, layered tale based in and out of the spiritual realm, which focuses on how past traumas deeply affect one’s well-being and mental health... (the FULL review is on the book blog - link above)
karishall18'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
5.0
This novel was truly incredible. I was expecting it to be a difficult read, and it was, but not in the way I was expecting. I loved the themes and the disorientating plot, I loved the interwoven aspects of African history, I loved how original it was. I found this book to be strangely relatable, even in its mania. As a black woman in my 20s, I read it just at the right time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Rape
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this heartbreaking book, but it was a bit too much for me. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the brilliant ways it addresses the dissociative state the character creates to get over the sexual abuses and gender identity issues that plague them.