Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - Freshwater

Reviews tagging 'Sexual content'

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

135 reviews

tytrack99's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced

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

3.75

This one is a hard one to review. The writing and the voice is very powerful. there were many cutting lines and many passages that I had to highlight because they were just so powerful. However, it didn’t feel like much was revealed. Not much plot was happening. I love a no plot just vibes but there has to be a reason at the end of the day. I didnt feel like much was revealed here. I didnt leave with a powerful meaning or reason having read this. however, I still think it was a very interesting story with powerful writing. very excited to read more of their work!

Content Warnings

jill_holly's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

It feels impossible to review this book because it is so hard to describe. It had me in a chokehold the moment I started it and didn't let up. I was breathless by the end. Both devastatingly dark and heartwrenchingly beautiful, it dives headfirst into the lasting impacts of sexual trauma, the struggles of mental health, and the splitting of a fractured identity. It pulls from Igbo mythology, which I enjoyed learning more about. I was riveted, heartbroken and aching from the prose, weirdness, and intensity of Ada's story. I need to go read everything else Akwaeke Emezi has ever written.

Content Warnings

bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition

Go to review page

I was doing this on audio, which often doesn't work well for me. It's been weeks since I was interested in listening to it, so I'm calling it a DNF for now. This also has a lot of detailed triggering content relating to sexual violence and self-harm, which may be why I've been disinclined to pick it back up. I'd like to revisit it via physical or eBook, but it may have to wait until I have a healthier relationship with my nervous system.

Content Warnings

alexisgarcia's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

5.0

Content Warnings

omega's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Content Warnings

saoreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Much deeper than the surface, it touched on identity, mental health, and emotions. The extremes had mostly been carved out of reflections on relationships with other people. The vileness of others and the vileness within. It is a strange book with strange perceptions. But for one to account for, there wasn't much guidance to spare. There's a sense of rawness that offers no gentleness in words or in deeds. It cuts through corners straightforwardly, which causes panic. More or less, it provided insights into life without God, and the life surrounding it is a pity.

Content Warnings

kshertz's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

This book is so dark and sad. But what an interesting new view. The darkness of mental health issues as told by the darkness. The fully fractured people that can happen. It’s a viewpoint I’ve never been able to understand but this really breaks it down. It takes a minute to get into that voice and headspace but once you’re there, it’s hard to leave it. It’s haunting but powerful.

Content Warnings