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A review by jw2869
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
Akwaeke truly did not miss with this one. A beautifully written book that asks how much a parent can really know about their child, the secrets we'll keep, lengths we will go, and costs we will pay to be our true selves.
The way they brought chapter 16 back full circle at the end of the book was perfection. There are some controversial things in this book that will definitely disturb some readers. I see this as a through line in Akwaeke's work - How truth and morality/"rightness" sit uncomfortably next to one another. Their books require readers to really sit in the discomfort of the world as it is even when it is taboo, offensive, and horrifying.
The way they brought chapter 16 back full circle at the end of the book was perfection. There are some controversial things in this book that will definitely disturb some readers. I see this as a through line in Akwaeke's work - How truth and morality/"rightness" sit uncomfortably next to one another. Their books require readers to really sit in the discomfort of the world as it is even when it is taboo, offensive, and horrifying.