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A review by n_asyikin_
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A moving coming-of-age story that depicted one's attempt at finding their place in a world that didn't seem welcoming. Darius the Great is Not Okay also showed what it was like to live with a chronic mental illness while facing the stigma associated with it.
Both raw & gentle, Darius' story tugged at my heart-string. What stood out for me was the insight into how depression influenced one's life, and how that in turn, shaped everyone's interactions with you. Khorram wrote it in a way that felt like Darius was only expressing his inner most private thoughts - and that rawness spoke volume. But more than that, Darius stood out through his narration. In his melancholy & quietude was a boy with a strong voice & unique insights. Truly, one of my favourite narrators in recent times.
You'd the joy of knowing a boy with his love for tea & Star Trek, whose gentle heart meant he adored being a caretaker - especially to his much younger sister, who has so much love that you'd wish he realized how much love the world has waiting for him in return.
It was also about finding your own people, be it your flesh & blood or the platonic (or more) kinds. I loved how many scenes reminded me the permanent impact fleeting moments can have. And more importantly, when your emotions gripped you, it can feel like they would be constant when they were, like everything else in life, were just passing by. As Darius might say, life has a way to bend the space-time continuum (A perfect analogy for the themes explored!), and sometimes, we'd struggle under its weights - trying to live through it, and that's okay.
Also, I think it's important to look at how Darius' father responded to his condition as well; a perfect example of good intent gone awry, highlighting the necessity for self-awareness (which may be gained from psychoeducation, providing critical insights experience alone couldn't provide). Coming from a family that have history in various forms of mental illnesses, this was significant to contemplate upon.
Compassionate in its exploration of mental illness (MI), Darius the Great is Not Okay was honest with its depictions. It didn't try to romanticize the difficulties that came with living with MI, didn't try to dramatize anything either. But most importantly, it was hopeful in its message. Such a decadent read!
Both raw & gentle, Darius' story tugged at my heart-string. What stood out for me was the insight into how depression influenced one's life, and how that in turn, shaped everyone's interactions with you. Khorram wrote it in a way that felt like Darius was only expressing his inner most private thoughts - and that rawness spoke volume. But more than that, Darius stood out through his narration. In his melancholy & quietude was a boy with a strong voice & unique insights. Truly, one of my favourite narrators in recent times.
You'd the joy of knowing a boy with his love for tea & Star Trek, whose gentle heart meant he adored being a caretaker - especially to his much younger sister, who has so much love that you'd wish he realized how much love the world has waiting for him in return.
It was also about finding your own people, be it your flesh & blood or the platonic (or more) kinds. I loved how many scenes reminded me the permanent impact fleeting moments can have. And more importantly, when your emotions gripped you, it can feel like they would be constant when they were, like everything else in life, were just passing by. As Darius might say,
Also, I think it's important to look at how Darius' father responded to his condition as well; a perfect example of good intent gone awry, highlighting the necessity for self-awareness (which may be gained from psychoeducation, providing critical insights experience alone couldn't provide). Coming from a family that have history in various forms of mental illnesses, this was significant to contemplate upon.
Compassionate in its exploration of mental illness (MI), Darius the Great is Not Okay was honest with its depictions. It didn't try to romanticize the difficulties that came with living with MI, didn't try to dramatize anything either. But most importantly, it was hopeful in its message. Such a decadent read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Ableism and Racism
Minor: Fatphobia, Suicide, and Xenophobia