Reviews with content warning for Incest - The Death of Vivek Oji

I don't think I've ever cried so much while reading a book.

Akwaeke Emezi has such an immersive writing style and I felt so connected with each of the characters. This was a really powerful story about secrets, friendship, love, and not only finding yourself but having the courage and strength to live as your true self.

Emezi didn't shy away from presenting the fallibility of humanity. Set during the 1980's and 1 90's in Nigeria, intolerance and bias is rife, and Emezi really well portrays this in all of their characters.

A story told from the point of view of all those who knew Vivek (Vivek included), those who loved him and were deeply impacted by his death. The snippets of memories, emotions, hopes, and dreams, all come together to create a vivid image of a life which grips you and drags you into it’s depths.

I can’t emphasise enough the necessity of this book and the story it tells of the fear and danger in being your true self because of the fear and hatred found in others.

Content Warnings

vanieflo's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25

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amyrs's review against another edition

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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

4.0

Content Warnings

aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

4.25

The ending of this def made me cry a little. It was also a reveal I wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed this book for the complexities of the characters and how the story was structured. I also listened to the audiobook as I followed along with the physical book and the narrators were great.

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lazlio's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad 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

4.5

This was a beautifully written book. Very sad and heavy.

Content Warnings

allthismakescherries's review against another edition

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emotional sad

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

3.5

I find this difficult to rate because the structure, setting and writing are all good (though the ending might be a bit too predictable). And yet the book has a hole as its heart - maybe that's the point. Overall an important, potent read.

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ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition

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4.0

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bookhails's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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