Reviews

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

shanflan's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective

4.0

I think this is one I will come back to, even though I think I may have enjoyed it more in my late twenties 

sarcasticnerdette's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

mhworth's review against another edition

4.0

First of all, I love a Akwaeke Emezi. I wish I had read this before I read their memoir, Dear Senthuron, because it would have blown me away 100%

dkai's review against another edition

4.0

More language to talk about self/selves is always appreciated; it's underexplored area of writing. Some might say the book has too many terrible things happening in it, which I both agree and disagree with. What sticks with me is the way of processing what is happening to yourself in different ways. It's almost a form of therapy where you can (partly) decide how to experience and process events.

ella_pittsford's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Self harm, and Sexual violence

cestelaine's review against another edition

4.0

Hesitating between 3 and 4 stars for this. An incredible narrative, some beautiful insights, but it just didn’t quite come together for me.

Settled on 4 stars because it is an important story and I’ve read reviews from readers more familiar with the culture and style of narration who have said this is very true to its origins. Definitely worth reading.

facciata's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book! One of my very favorites read in the past decade.

16swest's review against another edition

3.0

I really wanted to like this book, held out hope for a while. Such a fascinating premise and I love playing with myths and spirituality. But it felt a little trauma porny and then the spirituality of the book feels like it tried to be beacon for "black people everywhere" and I just wasn't on board... I don't know, hard to describe my problems with the book, just did not vibe.

grandiose_r's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Rape, Misogyny, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual violence, Car accident, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Suicide, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Self harm, Addiction, Blood, Medical content, and Body horror

Moderate: Death, Lesbophobia, Infertility, Racism, Gaslighting, Transphobia, Cultural appropriation, and Homophobia

Minor: Outing, Vomit, Cannibalism, Pedophilia, Kidnapping, Child abuse, and Confinement

amberjeans's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5