A review by readingafrica
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi

4.0

This memoir is very intimate and evocative. Akwaeke Emezi describes some of their lowest moments in detail, and talks openly about their experience in the publishing world. I didn't quite understand the "Black spirit" aspect of this Black Spirit memoir and would've liked directions to educational resources (at the very least). There were a lot of moments when the author wrote in a self-self-aggrandizing way about the experience being a literal diety (the embodiment of a spirit) or about their relationship with the "brothersisters" that I didn't quite get. I think that proves the author's point that this book isn't for the masses, that they aren't trying to make themselves palatable for mere humans anymore. So I guess I respect it.

There were many relatable moments in the memoir, and many dark, gory moments (like when they fantasised about cannibalism). My favourite chapters/letters were "Deathspace | Dear Marguerite", "Deity | Dear Eloghosa" "Money | Dear Nonso", and "Shiny | Dear Marguerite".