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A review by poursandpages
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.”
Normally, I like to write a review when my thoughts are fresh, & jot it down as soon as I close the book. Not this one.
There is SO much here. Even 12 hours later, I’m like, what did I just read?
First, Emezi’s writing ability is UNPARALLELED. Holy shit. I couldn’t be more excited that we picked their debut novel for September #JLoReads.
This book eviscerated me in less than 250 pages. The characters, the stories, the journeys. It allowed these fictional characters to share what I know to be REAL stories in such a raw & human way.
“If that pleasure was supposed to stop me from being a man, then fine. They could have it. I’d take the blinding light of his touch, the blessed peace of having him so close, & I would stop being a man. I was never one to begin with, anyway.”
I realize I said barely anything in this review, but if it’s not already on your list, add it immediately.
Normally, I like to write a review when my thoughts are fresh, & jot it down as soon as I close the book. Not this one.
There is SO much here. Even 12 hours later, I’m like, what did I just read?
First, Emezi’s writing ability is UNPARALLELED. Holy shit. I couldn’t be more excited that we picked their debut novel for September #JLoReads.
This book eviscerated me in less than 250 pages. The characters, the stories, the journeys. It allowed these fictional characters to share what I know to be REAL stories in such a raw & human way.
“If that pleasure was supposed to stop me from being a man, then fine. They could have it. I’d take the blinding light of his touch, the blessed peace of having him so close, & I would stop being a man. I was never one to begin with, anyway.”
I realize I said barely anything in this review, but if it’s not already on your list, add it immediately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Homophobia, Incest, and Physical abuse