A review by richy_qu33r_readzz
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

dark emotional reflective 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? Yes

4.5

Akwaeke (A-quake-ay they/them) is a beautiful writer with so many turns of phrase that made me pause and chew on, that made me feel seen. They have a brilliant way of describing a situation and linking it to a more general philosophy or way of being “My mother, who felt like a hammer instead of a person” will haunt me for a while as many other passages are still churning inside me. I learned a lot about immigrant life in Nigeria, saw more Igbo reincarnation, and witnessed how life changes a person and how a person changed pushes people away with religion, with secrets, with holding on too tight.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Incest, Sexism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Bullying, Violence, and Vomit

Favourite quotes:

“If nobody sees you, are you still there?”P.38 “some people can’t see softness without wanting to hurt it.” P.113 “I would say it was too late, but time has stopped meaning what it used to. I don’t mind anymore. I see how things work now, from this side. I was born and I died. I will come back. Somewhere, you see, in the river of time, I am already alive.” P.245