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A review by heliois
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
Freshwater is a novel which I do not have much to say of, or mayhaps I'm not sure what or how to speak of it. It is undoubtedly an absolutely innovative novel, unlike any other I've read thus far, gorgeous in its writing style, and an engrossing exploration into identity in the form of what is essentially a coming-of-age novel.
There were so many stunning phrases and expressions throughout the novel that it's difficult to select only one, whether that be Ada's descriptions as a 'heaving' or 'violent' sun or the various thoughts on gods and religion. The latter ― that peek into that world of gods and faith and one's connection to both that Freshwater provided ― was especially fascinating for me as I have rather little experience and connection to religion.
Now, flipping through the novel, I additionally understand the last sentence of Freshwater.
To finish it off, do I recommend Freshwater? Yes, but for others who are not as avid literature enthusiasts as I am, the novel could be a bit tepid as it focuses largely on the inner world of the main character.
There were so many stunning phrases and expressions throughout the novel that it's difficult to select only one, whether that be Ada's descriptions as a 'heaving' or 'violent' sun or the various thoughts on gods and religion. The latter ― that peek into that world of gods and faith and one's connection to both that Freshwater provided ― was especially fascinating for me as I have rather little experience and connection to religion.
But these are gods, after all, and they don't care about what happens to flesh, mostly because it is so slow and boring, unfamiliar and coarse.or
And while [Yshwa] loves humans (he was born of one, lived and died as one), what they forget is that he loves them as a god does, which is to say, with a taste for suffering.
Now, flipping through the novel, I additionally understand the last sentence of Freshwater.
Spoiler
All water is connected. All freshwater comes out of the mouth of a python.which is from the first couple pages of the novel VS the very last sentence in the book,
All freshwater comes out of my mouth.
To finish it off, do I recommend Freshwater? Yes, but for others who are not as avid literature enthusiasts as I am, the novel could be a bit tepid as it focuses largely on the inner world of the main character.