A review by nordstina
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

The title of this book gives away the major plot event that serves as the main event that everything surrounds in this book. I really wish Goodreads did half stars, because I would have rated this a bit higher. The novel begins with Vivek's mother discovering her son's body at the front of the house. In some ways, this is a bit of a murder (?) mystery. She tries to figure out how Vivek died. The book is told from multiple characters' points of views. I am trying not to spoil major plot points here, because I really appreciated how they were revealed. The book focuses a lot on relationships and family, acceptance and non-acceptance, and secrets. The relationships that Vivek has with his friends and his cousin Osita really resonate.
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