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A review by balladofreadingqueer
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
emotional
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
I really liked this book. From the title the readers already know that Vivek has died but it goes back through their life, especially the last few years before he dies.
The perspective of the narrator changes from Vivek, their mum, and cousin Osita. The story highlights the parents sadness and confusion at Vivek’s quiet and ‘unusal’ behaviour as they grew their hair long. It unravels the story of their gender and love for their friends and cousin.
After their death, their mother tries to discover what happened which leads eventually to some portion of the truth.
The perspective of the narrator changes from Vivek, their mum, and cousin Osita. The story highlights the parents sadness and confusion at Vivek’s quiet and ‘unusal’ behaviour as they grew their hair long. It unravels the story of their gender and love for their friends and cousin.
After their death, their mother tries to discover what happened which leads eventually to some portion of the truth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Child death