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saint_eleanor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The writing style of this was really cool, like 'Beloved' meets 'a Certain Hunger' meets 'Bless the daughter raised by a voice in her head' (i.e. lots of the royal "we" , lots of lust, and all the prose) . I loved listening to it on tape so i could hear the Igbo read by the author and the pronunciation of stuff, Igbo is so beautiful to listen to! But I feel like i had known that this was autobiographical before i read it i would have liked it more, but i was definitely expecting a novel so it definitely felt really slow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Sexual assault
inkboogers's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
I think this book changed my life
clementine__'s review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
spenkevich's review against another edition
4.0
An absolutely astonishing and admirable novel. While I read this during a goodreads hiatus, I wanted to quickly state that I still think about this book all the time. The prose is pristine and while it is a book you might want to sip like a fine wine, it's nearly impossibly to put down and will drive you to want to finish in one sitting. Emezi blends cultural elements and spirituality with examinations of trauma and mental illness in a way that is unique and extraordinary and, though the technique is playful it is also very respectful to the issues and themes. Plus the narrative is so engaging and flowing that it never feels simply like an Issues book but a grander and powerful examination of life itself, particularly for those who have had traumatic experiences or are coming to terms with a trans identity. This is all the more impressive as this is a debut. Essential reading, Emezi is a gift.
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
4.0
There is a singular joy in reading a book like no other you have ever read. It happens less and less often the more you read and becomes more poignant for its parcity. This is one of those rare moments and I’m going to bask in the literary glow of FRESHWATER, a book about fragmentary selves and guiding spirits, a book like no other I’ve read.
majabaur's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
august1n's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
beccammartin's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
the first 25-30% is slow build up to the actual events of the story, and it was hard to power through. overall it is a haunting tale that kept my interest to the end, i liked it.