Reviews

Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi

mhworth's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Akwaeke Emezi so much. Everything they write is so powerful— if you’ve ever been heartbroken or betrayed, read the chapter Grief: Dear Eugene. It captures everything. I’ve never read prose that can do what poetry does.

gabbymullins's review against another edition

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slow-paced

jrrkinittotolkien's review against another edition

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4.0

I finished reading this book while on the toilet. 4/5 stars

ruaridhreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Akwaeke Emezi is the literary genius of our time. No one writes like them. Truly a memoir to behold and devour. 

illustrated_librarian's review against another edition

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challenging emotional slow-paced

3.0

bakar_98's review against another edition

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5.0

shit was honest n i like that 

robotswithpersonality's review against another edition

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Vulnerable, honest, intense.
Epistolary essays on spirituality, gender, sense of self, being a writer, relationships, intimacy/desire in the face of past trauma, mental health. 
As can happen with the profoundly personal, especially in regards to those with religion, there are aspects of this memoir I can't relate to, but that I sincerely hope were a helpful catharsis for the author. 
For those who may find the topic triggering, there are passages which discuss transgender transitioning surgeries and recovery: breast reduction, subsequent mastectomy, hysterectomy. 
I remain grateful for every single memoir that expands the discussion of gender or the lack thereof. 

⚠️suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, body/gender dysphoria, SA, self harm, abuse, chronic pain, medical transphobia, infidelity, gore (mostly metaphorical), racism

meeks5679's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

5.0

Beautifully written. Refreshing to hear their honesty & world view. To be clear - not worshipping them lol

c100's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

zoya_neela's review against another edition

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5.0

There are no words to describe what this author's works do to me, EVERY SINGLE TIME! Once upon a time, I met someone that was me, but not me. It was as if we had met years before and were simply picking up our friendship, our connection after a short break. Emezi's writing is familiar, yet new in the most wonderful way! While I know I've never read anything like this before, it reminds me of that long ago friendship, familiar yet new.
As with all of the other books, Pet, Freshwater, The Death of Vivek Oji, and all their other works that I've had the privilege to consume, Dear Senthuran is going on the re-read list. How is it that Akwaeke is able to break me, while at the same time holding and soothing me?
May Emezi bless us with their works for decades to come. I for one will be waiting, while diving back into the worlds that are so very real.