Reviews

You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

jackiebowles9's review against another edition

slow-paced

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

2.0

To this day, I still feel gaslight by the MC. 

lyricallylittle's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

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

4.5

jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective 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

Akwaeke Emezi packs a heartbreaking punch with Feyi's tale of grief and its everlasting effect on our lives. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is my favorite of the two Emezi works I've read. The forbidden romance plot mixed with Feyi's character really sucked me in. The writing is so easy to want to keep reading. It definitely had the typical messy charm I've come to associate with their storytelling as well as a lush setting description. 

I think the best part of Feyi and Alim's romance is that they've both experience the unique grief of losing a partner that you'd thought you'd grow old with. It makes their romance that much more believable because they understand each other's loss. I generally didn't like the third act drama from Alim's grown-ass kids, but I understood why it happened. I would've liked to see just a little bit more at the end, but it was still very good. 

Read this if you like forbidden/friends dad romance, being insanely attracted to someone you shouldn't, delicious and delectable foods, and art that packs a punch.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Grief

Moderate: Blood

Minor: Biphobia and Homophobia

shelbyheartonmysleeve's review against another edition

5.0

Literally read this in one day. I had no idea what this was about and it took me by surprise about 10 times throughout but wow, what a beautiful beautiful story. Absolutely obsessed.

chazzychat's review against another edition

4.0

This is a book I loved to hate, and hated to love. Only so because it is such a mess! But honestly such a beautifully written and relatable mess. As much as I hate to admit it I can see it for what it is and appreciate that. The 4 stars are for the way the author brought the story to life. There were so many beautiful lines and moments. But there was also plenty of moments where I felt exasperated as a reader by the main characters incessant fixation on the past. But as others have pointed out —I can see how that relates to grief. Overall I’m glad I read this book and will check out more of the author’s books.

kirei_eyes's review against another edition

challenging reflective fast-paced

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

4.25

Hmmm

lenaemaart's review against another edition

2.0

This book was wild and left me in shock on more than one occasion. I don’t think it’s something I’ll be coming back to.

readingindreams's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

filawless's review

emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No

3.0

While this book is a fast paced story with romance and love after loss as it's main theme, I found the protagonist absolutely infuriating. There were times when I just kept thinking "No Feyi". I'm not sure I would recommend this as the storyline wasn't for me but I do think I would read Emezi's other novels as she has wrote multiple different genres. 

elissalynn's review against another edition

4.0

I was so please with how the author wrapped up this book. For awhile I had no idea where the book was going to go…racy sex scenes?! Kidnapping?? Murder?? But I loved the ending. The realization that to be alive and to be able to love is enough was such a lovely ending.