Reviews with content warning for Death - 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.

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elevingston1's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-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

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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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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.

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ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition

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4.0

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lesejaguar's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense 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? It's complicated

2.5

Definitely not a feel good book. It took me some time to get used to the writing which is very graphic. Thought more than once about quitting.
I really liked the change of perspectives though and the secrets & hints given about the turn of events are well placed.

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pipercurda's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad fast-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

“Some people can't see softness without wanting to hurt it.”

a beautifully written exploration of sexual and gender fluidity and identity. heartbreaking, but a necessary look into the lives of others we may not understand.

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