A review by eli_abroad
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A unique exploration of the fractured self and how it manifests in the life of a young woman. It was not an enjoyable read for me, but I have to recognize the beauty in the complex portrait the author painted and the skill employed in creating it. There's also an element of cultural ignorance I felt (the religious and/or folkloric references were complete unknowns) that made the read uncomfortable. I wish I had the motivation to explore those elements to alleviate some of my discomfort, but unfortunately, the length of my TBR makes me content with just accepting that it wasn't a book for me and moving on.