Reviews

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

angelimarie's review against another edition

2.0

It's not the story but it was the way the story was told that made me not enjoy this book.

donyea's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

While this was a well written book in terms of imagery and foreshadowing.  I also thought the progression of understanding Vivek’s identity and his transition was well done.  I loved the commentary on spiritual psychosis. HOWEVER….

there was really no need for the cousin incest to be described to that degree and portrayed as “true love”.  Upon reflection, Osita was repressed and he had an innocent crush on Vivek as a young child, growing up jealous of Vivek’s openness and identity—so his repression and reluctance to live his life freely as a gay man in Nigeria led him to turn to the only other queer male he knew and had a emotional relationship leading him to change the relationship to a physical one made sense.  However, that does not mean we have to pretend like incest is true love lol or have to describe the physicality to such a degree. Additionally, there were a couple plot holes like Vivek’s spells. Lastly, I actually hated the ending. I was hoping that, as the book went between pre- and post-death, Osita would not be in any way connected to Vivek’s death. To me that would have been too predictable. To make matters worse, Nnemdi died in the most ridiculous way possible.

In my opinion there were many unnecessary plot lines that actually had no effect on the plot.  So much went on in that book.  Like too much.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail

roro_roro's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

jennyzxc's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

loriluo's review against another edition

4.0

This is such a beautiful, beautiful novel. The writer's style and word choice is impeccable and flows seamlessly across chapters and rotating perspectives, and it's hard not become personally invested in the characters that are brought to life; you can simultaneously feel empathetic for a worried, doting parent as well as the stifled, frustrated child unable to show their true selves. The glimpse into life in Nigeria is a welcome one as well, a chance to learn more about different time and place in the world.

From the onset, you know the novel will be a tragedy; the title and the ongoing foreshadowing of Vivek Oji's death throughout ensure that. The lure of the novel, and what led me to finish this book in less than a day, is the question of "what really happened?". The suspense keeps readers wondering what truly is happening to Vivek throughout his life, and the events that culminate in his eventual demise. The novel tackles a number of difficult topics, including sexuality and sexual repression, fidelity in marriages and relationships, and the difficult responsibility parents have for wanting the best for their children, even if that aspiration can backfire in execution. I can't give this a full five stars though as some events and situations covered are... questionable at best, including incest.

clarkf87's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.5

When a mother finds her son’s body wrapped in a colorful blanket on her doorstep, she obsesses with learning the truth of his death. 

This book was heartbreaking and painful to get through but a powerful story for the LGBTQ+ genre. Vivek is transgender and misunderstood in the community, including in their own family. Was it a stranger or close friend behind Vivek’s tragic end?

ladyinverse's review against another edition

challenging emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ouch :') /pos

yogideetz's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was one of the most heartbreaking books I've read in a long time, maybe ever. Akwaeke Emezi's writing always hit a cord with me, but this story struck so deep. The ideas of being able to be oneself in their community, finding community that accepts us..it's so real. I have zero critiques for this book. It drew me in from the start and kept me engaged until the very last page. My heart goes out to those whose stories are similar to this one, to those experiencing pain and suffering trying to hide themselves to be accepted by others. We should all be able to be ourselves, completely, without risk to ourselves or our loved ones. 

ebethw's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

4.25

decheverry's review against another edition

challenging sad tense fast-paced

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

1.5