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salon3ly's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
i devoured this book and i feel guilty, shameful, for not cherishing it enough, for not holding on to the pages for a second too long and for not crying at the end even when my mind was melting away at having read the words. never has a book felt this sickening, nor left me so disgusted, but also with a sweetness between the gaps in my teeth, from which i can already feel the rotting bone. i have not loved a story more, i have not related to a story more, but i have also not hated a story more. i want to read this again for the first time. i donβt know what to do with myself anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Grief, Homophobia, Incest, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Deadnaming, Violence, and Sexual assault
Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
sydneybedell's review against another edition
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Child death, Death, and Homophobia
Moderate: Incest, Infidelity, Sexual content, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death and Miscarriage
badmom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, Death, Religious bigotry, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Minor: Biphobia, Blood, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Miscarriage, Outing, Sexual assault, Violence, and Alcohol
booksandmo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Incest, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Moderate: Blood, Deadnaming, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Miscarriage
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-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
3.75
Title: The Death of Vivek Oji
Author: Akwaeke Emezi
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: June 1 2020
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Devastating β’ Moving β’ Powerful
π S Y N O P S I S
Vivek is dead, and when the lifeless body shows up bloodied and bare on the parents doorstep, a family is sent into the despairs of grief, and yet the mother can't help but question the circumstances and mysteries of the death. A story of friendship and family, of grief and denial, of identity and acceptance, of sexuality and loyalty, of community and cultural clashes that challenges expectations.
π T H O U G H T S
The story starts out with Vivek's death, and his mother finding his lifeless body on her front porch. From there the author takes the reader on a journey back in time to unravel the mysteries surrounding his life and ultimately his death. Akwaeke Emezi has the gift of beautiful language and writing in such a way that as a reader I felt transported into the story. It's written in a non-linear fashion, but the flow is easy to follow. Vivek, is truly an unforgettable character, and probably one of the most powerful and inspiring ones I've come across this year. The unguarded expression of self in the face of so much adversity is admirable. And I wanted so much more of this character and perspective. Maybe I am being difficult, but I truly the felt the power was in Vivek.
This book extends far beyond the confines of its classification as fiction. It's a coming-of-age story rooted in culture and family, acceptance and love, guilt and grief. It is truly a story of embracing human experience, whatever that might be. The Death of Vivek Oji is a necessary yet heartbreaking novel.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ any reader!
β’ readers who want depth to their story
β’ reader looking for excellent African LGBTQ+ lit
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"I'm not what anyone thinks I am. I never was. I didn't have the mouth to put it into words, to say what was wrong, to change the things I felt I needed to change. And every day it was difficult, walking around and knowing that people saw me one way, knowing that they were wrong, so completely wrong, that the real me was invisible to them. It didn't even exist to them. So: If nobody sees you, are you still there?"
"I'd heard it since secondary school, and I knew what that night was supposed to make me. Less than a man - something disgusting, something weak and shameful. But if that pleasure was supposed to stop me from being a man, then fine. They could have it. I'd take the blinding light of his touch, the blessed peace of having him so close, and I would stop being a man."
Author: Akwaeke Emezi
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: June 1 2020
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Devastating β’ Moving β’ Powerful
π S Y N O P S I S
Vivek is dead, and when the lifeless body shows up bloodied and bare on the parents doorstep, a family is sent into the despairs of grief, and yet the mother can't help but question the circumstances and mysteries of the death. A story of friendship and family, of grief and denial, of identity and acceptance, of sexuality and loyalty, of community and cultural clashes that challenges expectations.
π T H O U G H T S
The story starts out with Vivek's death, and his mother finding his lifeless body on her front porch. From there the author takes the reader on a journey back in time to unravel the mysteries surrounding his life and ultimately his death. Akwaeke Emezi has the gift of beautiful language and writing in such a way that as a reader I felt transported into the story. It's written in a non-linear fashion, but the flow is easy to follow. Vivek, is truly an unforgettable character, and probably one of the most powerful and inspiring ones I've come across this year. The unguarded expression of self in the face of so much adversity is admirable. And I wanted so much more of this character and perspective. Maybe I am being difficult, but I truly the felt the power was in Vivek.
This book extends far beyond the confines of its classification as fiction. It's a coming-of-age story rooted in culture and family, acceptance and love, guilt and grief. It is truly a story of embracing human experience, whatever that might be. The Death of Vivek Oji is a necessary yet heartbreaking novel.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ any reader!
β’ readers who want depth to their story
β’ reader looking for excellent African LGBTQ+ lit
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"I'm not what anyone thinks I am. I never was. I didn't have the mouth to put it into words, to say what was wrong, to change the things I felt I needed to change. And every day it was difficult, walking around and knowing that people saw me one way, knowing that they were wrong, so completely wrong, that the real me was invisible to them. It didn't even exist to them. So: If nobody sees you, are you still there?"
"I'd heard it since secondary school, and I knew what that night was supposed to make me. Less than a man - something disgusting, something weak and shameful. But if that pleasure was supposed to stop me from being a man, then fine. They could have it. I'd take the blinding light of his touch, the blessed peace of having him so close, and I would stop being a man."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Moderate: Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Infidelity, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Miscarriage, Murder, and Rape
albernikolauras's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The words rolled off of the page in this book. It starts off with Vivek's dead body on their mother's steps, and builds outwards. Bouncing around through time and from different people's memories of Vivek. Emotion dripped off the page as you slowly pick up momentum to discover how Vivek died.
This book was uncomfortable to sit with at times, beautiful, full of pain, full of joy. It was about being yourself and how that can put you at risk. It is a book to sit with or read/listen to when you can focus on it because Vivek deserves that level of consideration.
I am not sure what separates this book from being 5 stars. I just didn't end up quite feeling as connected to it as expected. I think I wanted more Vivek (which might be because everyone wanted more of them). Perhaps it was the discomfort of sitting in the grief of this book. Either way, I would strongly recommend this for anyone.
This book was uncomfortable to sit with at times, beautiful, full of pain, full of joy. It was about being yourself and how that can put you at risk. It is a book to sit with or read/listen to when you can focus on it because Vivek deserves that level of consideration.
I am not sure what separates this book from being 5 stars. I just didn't end up quite feeling as connected to it as expected. I think I wanted more Vivek (which might be because everyone wanted more of them). Perhaps it was the discomfort of sitting in the grief of this book. Either way, I would strongly recommend this for anyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Incest, Domestic abuse, Religious bigotry, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, Violence, Transphobia, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
robinsong's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
This book was wonderful and all consuming. The exploration of grief and the messiness of the characters' lives was expertly done and made them feel like real people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Hate crime
Minor: Animal death, Car accident, Infertility, Miscarriage, Rape, and Sexual harassment
flowerparrish's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My feelings about this book are complicated. Overwhelmingly positive overall, but... complicated.
1) I would recommend that any trans person reading this book take a good look at content warnings beforehand, because it is exceptionally triggering with depictions of transphobia and discussion of hate crimes against trans people.
2) I would recommend anyone reading this book take a look at trigger warnings, even if you think the transphobia won't be as big of an issue for you, because there are DEFINITELY others, and it's heavy af.
3) I do think this is an important read for family members of trans people who want to be supportive but think changing your perspective is a lot of work (it is) and you don't know how to start / if it's worth the dedication. It is, and this book is a beautiful depiction of WHY.
1) I would recommend that any trans person reading this book take a good look at content warnings beforehand, because it is exceptionally triggering with depictions of transphobia and discussion of hate crimes against trans people.
2) I would recommend anyone reading this book take a look at trigger warnings, even if you think the transphobia won't be as big of an issue for you, because there are DEFINITELY others, and it's heavy af.
3) I do think this is an important read for family members of trans people who want to be supportive but think changing your perspective is a lot of work (it is) and you don't know how to start / if it's worth the dedication. It is, and this book is a beautiful depiction of WHY.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Transphobia, Death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Deadnaming and Misogyny
Minor: Miscarriage
kudzi1's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
This story explores trans life, sexuality, incest, loss, family dynamics, and most of all guilt. Not my usual book choice but still a very engaging read and thought provoking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
maisierosereads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I fell in love with Awkaeke Emezi's writing as soon as I read Freshwater last year, so The Death of Vivek Oji was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. From the first, one-sentence chapter I was hooked on the plot, and ended up reading the whole book in less than 48 hours.
The way this book is structured - with the mystery of how Vivek died, the events leading up to his death, and the way his death affects his loved ones - makes the story captivating even though you know from before you open this book that the titular character will die. The chapters are told from different points of view and from different points in time, with all of these perspectives coming together cohesively to form the whole story.
Emezi's writing style is as gorgeous as always, and their characters are beautiful in their imperfect complexity. The relationships between them are also beautiful, complex, and challenging. In their interview with Rivers Solomon for Greenlight Bookstore, Emezi talked about how they wanted to present these relationships as they were without telling the reader how to feel about them and leave the reactions up to the readers - I could definitely see and feel this when reading The Death of Vivek Oji, particularly in regards to the central relationship (which is consensual but incestuous).
As with their previous books, Emezi's writing is informed and influenced by personal experiences of growing up in Nigeria and their own intersecting identities. The influences from life - Igbo spirituality, the Nigerwives, the politial upheaval, the conflict between the different religious and ethnic groups - give this story a richness and realness that add to the compelling and emotive nature of the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed The Death of Vivek Oji just as much as I was expecting to and highly recommend it.
I fell in love with Awkaeke Emezi's writing as soon as I read Freshwater last year, so The Death of Vivek Oji was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. From the first, one-sentence chapter I was hooked on the plot, and ended up reading the whole book in less than 48 hours.
The way this book is structured - with the mystery of how Vivek died, the events leading up to his death, and the way his death affects his loved ones - makes the story captivating even though you know from before you open this book that the titular character will die. The chapters are told from different points of view and from different points in time, with all of these perspectives coming together cohesively to form the whole story.
Emezi's writing style is as gorgeous as always, and their characters are beautiful in their imperfect complexity. The relationships between them are also beautiful, complex, and challenging. In their interview with Rivers Solomon for Greenlight Bookstore, Emezi talked about how they wanted to present these relationships as they were without telling the reader how to feel about them and leave the reactions up to the readers - I could definitely see and feel this when reading The Death of Vivek Oji, particularly in regards to the central relationship (which is consensual but incestuous).
As with their previous books, Emezi's writing is informed and influenced by personal experiences of growing up in Nigeria and their own intersecting identities. The influences from life - Igbo spirituality, the Nigerwives, the politial upheaval, the conflict between the different religious and ethnic groups - give this story a richness and realness that add to the compelling and emotive nature of the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed The Death of Vivek Oji just as much as I was expecting to and highly recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Infidelity, Mental illness, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Eating disorder, Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Miscarriage
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