4.79k reviews for:

Acquadolce

Akwaeke Emezi

4.13 AVERAGE

tsbookshelf_'s review against another edition

3.25

mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

notpnx's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional medium-paced

catwhisperer's review against another edition

3.5

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

pdmcguire's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark reflective

18ksmith's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional sad 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

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Freshwater was unlike any book I’ve ever read before. Life-changing. 

hscoop_'s review against another edition

3.0

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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I think it’s really easy to fall into the trap of reading this as a “mental health journey” novel. I initially did read it in this way, but of course, it’s more than that. It’s about spirituality, being disconnected (from homes, lands, and worlds), and acceptance (of one’s self & the things you cannot change). I would have rated it higher but I did struggle with the structure, although the writing is beautiful, and I struggled to become connected to any of the characters (maybe that was the point?). I recognise this book for its beauty but it’s just not for me, and that’s okay!

shksprsis's review against another edition

4.25

challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

shelbyruth123's review against another edition

4.0

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Akwaeke Emezi never ceases to amaze me. This book was visceral and difficult to read at points, but always masterfully told. I felt like most of the time I didn’t know what was happening but I was along for the ride and what a ride it was. 

ashlee_erin's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

haley1999's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Suicide attempt

Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault