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A review by sydapel
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Big trigger warning for incest, but I still do encourage you to read this because I think the book is worth your interaction, if that subject is something you can handle.
Something I really admire about Emezi's work is their approach to the central relationships in their work. Never conventional (and in this case illegal), but wholly complex and layered and specific to the culture of the characters. This book is also a tragic exploration of gender identity in a society and culture that is actively hostile towards gender queer people. However, the violence takes a backseat to the sometimes fraught ways in we protect each other in the name of love.
Something I really admire about Emezi's work is their approach to the central relationships in their work. Never conventional (and in this case illegal), but wholly complex and layered and specific to the culture of the characters. This book is also a tragic exploration of gender identity in a society and culture that is actively hostile towards gender queer people. However, the violence takes a backseat to the sometimes fraught ways in we protect each other in the name of love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Child death, and Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Transphobia, Violence, and Infidelity
Minor: Domestic abuse