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A review by loriluo
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
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.
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.