A review by thisthat100
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

dark emotional mysterious
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Highlights
  • Vivek Oji: When referencing a death or tragedy of a trans/queer individual, very few instances do the media execute their ideas in a way that respects the individual and the community they represent. Thankfully, this book is an exception. Nnemdi is such a complex character and I loved that when a chapter focuses on her perspective it is short yet written in a way that meaningfully shapes the direction of the narrative.
  • Osita: Also a complex character in the sense that he is written in a way that suggests moral ambiguity. He and Oji's perspective are the necessary anchors to the mystery that continues to flesh out as the plot unravels itself.

Aspects that did not connect with me 
  • I loved the final chapter where Nnemedi reflects on her death and Osita (probably my favourite part of the book). But I personally felt how the plot twist of her death did not live up to the potential of the smart writing on Emezi's part. I felt that it redeemed Osita too much as a character and would have garnered a greater impact if it was open-ended to maintain Ostia's moral ambiguity.
    • I suspected early on in the novel that Osita's perspective was unreliable. Rather than completely reveal the event of Nnemedi's death, I would have loved if it concealed certain details that allude whether her death was accidental or intentional yet revealed Osita's involvement (Osita having the necklace, their guilt disguised as grief).
    • The harsh reality is that for many deaths involving trans/queer people, there is a lack of resolution as to the nature of their death and would remain unsolved.
    • This would make the Vivek's (Nnemedi) perspective in the final chapter more provoking. They are able to find the resolution within themselves despite their death being made unresolved. 

Overall, I loved Emezi's writing style in this book and how they tackle nuanced characters and themes while also painting a complex portrait of Nigeria.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings