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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.
tarynwanderer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
ludwigdvorak's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
One of the most powerful and moving pieces of art I've ever experienced. This is a genuine masterpiece. Not for everyone, but this was a spiritual journey that meant the world to me.