A review by higglebee
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is intensely beautiful, intensely sad, intensely hard to read. The lens we view Ada through changes throughout this book making it difficult to parse out reality from inner monologue. That it's done so purposely and we'll makes this book truly unique. Ada is a truly sympathetic character whose story is so fraught with trauma, but we are still shown the beauty and strength woven throughout their experience. The voices of Ada's inner beings are clear and propel the narrative in a satisfying way. The audiobook was narrated by the author and it made my reading experience so much richer than if I had been simply reading the text. This is a difficult read, but I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a rich character study of someone who should be unlikable.