A review by likum
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

5.0

This book was recommended to me by the best “BookToker” on TikTok, @k4fia and I now totally understand why.

So rarely have I been stunned into silence at how a story unfolds. Akwaeke Emezi is going to take you on a journey thru the lens of young, Jam in her seemingly perfect city as we realize things may not be what they seem. Pet was such a treat to read and the ending specifically will be impossible to put down (I’m writing this review at 3am as I could not put the book down myself, and want to capture my fresh thoughts in this review).

Never in my adult life have I stopped reading to catch my breath & just continue saying “wow” and “oh sh*t”. This is the best book I have read in a LONG time and I will be recommending it as much as @k4fia has been. Thank you Akwaeke Emezi for this adventure and providing this amazing perspective on what abolition could be. And Kafia, your recommendations never fail to amaze me. Thank you friend, this was amazing. You were the first person I messaged after I finished this book.

Truly the first book I’ve read that deserves 5 stars ⭐️

*Edit: warning for those interested in picking it up, child abuse in this book. Not overly explicit. I thought it was Physical Abuse, but upon reading others’ reviews, many folks interpreted it as CSA. So just to be safe, TW: Childhood Abuse, potential CSA, brief description of multiple forms of abuse. I want to add this was my first Emezi book. “Bitter” is sitting on my shelf rn, I’m starting it this week, and then onto the rest of their work!*