Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir

I’m sure this resonates for others, but it’s not for me. Not least because the extensive discussion of suicide and self harm was triggering for me, so go into this having read content and trigger warnings.
Otherwise I can’t tell if it’s just that I’m uncomfortable with someone being so confident or if I genuinely think they’re delusional in a harmless way. But none of it hit with me and I didn’t enjoy the writing style either.

Content Warnings

jenmcreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Content Warnings

takarakei's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

Written as a series of letters to friends (and really to themself) Akwaeke Emezi's memoir gives a deep and vulnerable look into their mind and unique point of view. I listened to the audiobook, but was very glad I own a copy so I could highlight quotes to come back to. While covering some difficult topics, Emezi's gorgeous writing really shines through and even though as a memoir it centers on their experience, I found many relatable parts focused on the struggle of living in our current harsh world.

Content Warnings

ktkeps's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I can’t do the suicidal ideation right now. I gotta protect my peace. I might come back to this eventually.

Content Warnings

savvylit's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

4.5

Dear Senthuran's epistolary format allows readers an incredibly personal glimpse into Emezi's relationships and fascinating life. Letter after letter, one thing quickly becomes clear: Emezi is unabashedly talented, passionate, joyful, and in love with their chosen family. They do also suffer, though, and this memoir intimately explores their past depression and suicidal ideation. That juxtaposition between the lowest lows and their joys is what really demonstrates Emezi's resiliency and dedication to living their life authentically.

Furthermore, beyond the powerful subject matter of Dear Senthuran, this memoir is absolutely brimming with unforgettable sentences. My own words can't do their words justice. Thus, here are a few quotes from Dear Senthuran:

"If just this terrified you - the tip of a feather - how am I supposed to open up entire wings?"

"What is love if not a shield thrown up around you when you are too injured to throw it up yourself?"

"People can do such spectacular things if you forget to tell them it's impossible. I want them to try."

"Part of bending the world we want into existence is that we get to choose who we want to be in it with, and I choose you."

Content Warnings

liaandersson's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

I love everything Akwaeke Emezi writes. They are such a phenomenal writer, I want every book they have ever written. I am transpired to a new dimension and I see life through their eyes - it's terrifying, beautiful, inspiring, saddening, and so many emotions at once. It feels weird writing a review on somebody's memoir, so I will simply say that this book was yet another literary masterpiece by Emezi, while we were afforded the opportunity to get to know them better on the way. Thank you for this book!

Content Warnings

readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.75

This is the most unique, compelling memoir I've read in many years. Through letters to their close friends and family, Akwaeke Emezi discusses their experience of being trans and getting surgery, their mental health, writing, chronic pain, the publishing industry, their identity as a god or ogbanje, and their spiritual connection with this world and with death. This is a fascinating read and one that introduced me to so many new concepts and ideas. Emezi really is a transcendent writer.

Content Warnings

More...