Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

13 reviews

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

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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

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. 

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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

susannaobrien's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

At first I was a little lost with the changing timelines (even though normally I like this style) but by the end I appreciated the artistic device for the way it built the mystery up for the reveal. When it came, I felt physically knocked by the tragedy and unfairness of it all. The cast of characters were complex and interesting, with few being entirely likeable but all feeling real and sparking empathy. The story was a nuanced portrayal of what it means to come to terms with others' gender and sexual identities, as well as your own, in a culture that is not ready to accept them. I really appreciated the exploration of the various forms love and loyalty can take, between families, friends and loves, as well as the taboos of crossing those lines. Sentences and dialogue were also beautifully written. Overall a surprising and affecting read.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Violence, Blood, and Death

Moderate: Transphobia, Homophobia, Hate crime, and Misogyny

Minor: Addiction and Alcohol