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A review by paigeisinabook
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
My first Emezi and it did not disappoint!
I wanted Freshwater to be my first read from this author, but this audiobook became available and I jumped at the chance to read it.
It is difficult to put into words what this book is about as it is almost something you have to figure out and decide on your own.
The Death of Vivek Oji is about Vivek, yes, but it is also about the family and friends that surround Vivek. This is to fully understand the life they lose as well as the death that they experience. Reminding me in ways of Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez but also at the same time being its own thing. This is going to be a book that is taught in a few years for sure.
I'm going to be honest here: I didn't understand Vivek. But, it wasn't for me to understand. Vivek was Vivek. Though I will say, it seemed like the story was going one way and then was rushed into another at the end. I didn't love that. Then again, maybe that was where it was always going and I just missed it. Maybe more can be gained for a re-read (that will definitely happen after I read more of Emezi's works. Which is going to happen ASAP).
Give this book a try. Seriously.
I wanted Freshwater to be my first read from this author, but this audiobook became available and I jumped at the chance to read it.
It is difficult to put into words what this book is about as it is almost something you have to figure out and decide on your own.
The Death of Vivek Oji is about Vivek, yes, but it is also about the family and friends that surround Vivek. This is to fully understand the life they lose as well as the death that they experience. Reminding me in ways of Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez but also at the same time being its own thing. This is going to be a book that is taught in a few years for sure.
I'm going to be honest here: I didn't understand Vivek. But, it wasn't for me to understand. Vivek was Vivek. Though I will say, it seemed like the story was going one way and then was rushed into another at the end. I didn't love that. Then again, maybe that was where it was always going and I just missed it. Maybe more can be gained for a re-read (that will definitely happen after I read more of Emezi's works. Which is going to happen ASAP).
Give this book a try. Seriously.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Emotional abuse