A review by the_vegan_bookworm
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

 Akwaeke Emezi is a masterful storyteller and writer. Every book they write is a gift to experience, and this one is no different. The last 20% of the story, in particular, made me sob. The entire novel has such a a deeply lyrical and emotional story about the way we relate to others and how well we know the peiple we live. I think we can all see ourselves in the characters with their emotional depths. Akwaeke is so talented at describing grief and making that raw, difficult emotion something they can communicate through their stories. It is such a talent.

The book is heavy in many ways, so please be mindful of the content warnings.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Death, Homophobia, Incest, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail

For context on the incest tag:

The incest takes place consensually between cousins.