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A review by savvylit
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi
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."
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
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Medical content, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Transphobia