Reviews tagging 'Violence'

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

179 reviews

bowienerd_82's review against another edition

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challenging fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

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bookishfaye's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
An absolutely devastating, gut-wrenching, & traumatizing trans story. 

Be warned, it is absolutely riddled with very uncomfortable incest.

TW: *Graphic and on page depictions* Incest, Rape, SA, non-consensual sexual encounters, violent homophobia/transphobia, violent hateful depictions of extreme hateful religion, death, mourning a loved one

*not on page, but mentioned* transphobic lynching 
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lucystolethesky's review against another edition

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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? It's complicated

5.0

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fourleaf12's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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gorgeousdreamerreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This narrative, a poignant and intricate masterpiece, revolves around the profound themes of secrecy, acceptance, and protection. The Death of Vivek Oji delves into the pervasive nature of stereotypes, the intricate dynamics of family relationships, and the stark realities that confront individuals within the confines of contemporary societal norms. The pervasive theme of family secrets serves as a catalyst for self-discovery, emphasizing the paramount importance of authentic friendships. The extensive exploration of these secrets underscores the significance of protecting and honoring them. 
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greenpearls's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • 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

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potterpav's review against another edition

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dark 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? It's complicated

5.0

my friend recommended me this book after i mentioned loving “summer sons” by lee mandelo - if this incredibly small niche is you, i’m passing the recommendation on. not sure if i want to put this on record but incest is so fascinating to me as a concept, and this book works with it in a way that doesn’t problematise it, but rather places it in front of you and asks you to consider it: i like this approach. there are no leading questions or accusations about whether it’s a “good” thing or not, the topic is in there and it’s happening, and how you interact with it is entirely up to you. the prose in this book is quite baffling in how it’s beauty seems so easy, it flows straight off the page and you end up reading half of it in one go because it’s so digestible. for a book that covers such hard topics, you need to have something easily consumed, and the writing is just that: beautiful and simple. so many rich characters and just an absolutely incredible novel, i couldn’t recommend it more for any reason, what a great way to start 2025
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jill_holly's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

4.0

Another beautifully written, complex, and captivating book by Emezi. What I love about their writing is the crystal clear voice of their characters and exploration of Nigerian culture, sexuality, family, identity and love. The friendship between Vivek and Juju pulled at my heart and somehow this book was both heart-wrenching, morally challenging at parts, while also being hopeful. It looks at the ways societal norms can stifle relationships and the courage it takes to live in your full identity. 
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justabat's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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emmacthorp's review against another edition

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4.5

Emezi is an unbelievable writer and the book is painfully beautiful. I personally get annoyed when books jump around in time and narrator but this book really did it amazingly. I would have rated it higher if I didn't have some personal hangups regarding the incest. 
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