The Death of Vivek Oji
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4.1 • 34 Ratings
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- £6.49
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- £6.49
Publisher Description
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE
'Astonishing.' Stylist
'Electrifying.' O: The Oprah Magazine
'Brilliant and heartbreaking.' Marie Claire
'Propulsive and resonant.' Esquire
They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.
One afternoon, a mother opens her front door to find the length of her son's body stretched out on the veranda, swaddled in akwete material, his head on her welcome mat. The Death of Vivek Oji transports us to the day of Vivek's birth, the day his grandmother Ahunna died. It is the story of an over protective mother and a distant father, and the heart-wrenching tale of one family's struggle to understand their child, just as Vivek learns to recognize himself.
Teeming with unforgettable characters whose lives have been shaped by Vivek's gentle and enigmatic spirit, it shares with us a Nigerian childhood that challenges expectations. This novel, and its celebration of the innocence and optimism of youth will touch all those who embrace it.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
For Akwaeke Emezi’s second adult novel, identity and gender is once more explored—rooted in Igbo cosmology and traditional spiritual belief. Our lead Vivek Oji is a complex, misunderstood soul whose tragic end sets out a story that travels back through his life, and unravels the details in unrushed, heartbreaking chapters. As the narrative voice switches, mainly between Vivek and cousin Osita, Emezi teases out a transcendent bond that’s fraught with confusion. This is touching coming-of-age story encased within the setting of the author’s childhood: the humdrum of south-eastern ’90s Nigeria holds a central role. Laying an indictment on the stranglehold of religiosity—thought to be the fabric that held them through war, and other periods of strife—Emezi conjures the story of a life outside of the spectrum, hopelessly caught in its grip.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Emezi returns to adult fiction (after YA novel Pet) with a brisk tale that whirs around the mysterious death of a young Nigerian man, Vivek Oji. As a child in the 1990s, Vivek secretly identifies as a girl, the psychological strain of which causes Vivek to slip into blackouts. Only his close male cousin, Osita, recognizes the seriousness of these fugue states. (Vivek's parents dismiss them as "quiet spells.") As a teenager, Vivek grows his hair long in defiance of gender expectations, and Emezi affectingly explores the harm of threats to Vivek's gender expression from other boys and men, who sling insults and glass bottles at him on the street. As Vivek finds solace in his female friends and Osita, he discovers he is not the only one with secrets. After his death, the heartbreaking details of which are gradually revealed, the other characters learn more about his secret life. While Emezi leans on clich s ("hit me in the chest like a lorry") and two-dimensional supporting characters, they offer sharp observations about the cost of transphobia and homophobia, and about the limits of honesty in their characters' lives. Despite a few bumps, this is a worthy effort. Correction: An earlier version of this review did not use the author's preferred gender pronouns.
Customer Reviews
gripping
really emotional book. 10/10
Really great
A wonderful, emotional and atmospheric book that takes you on a journey to 90s Nigeria. Feels a bit slow and hard going at first but stick with it. Great character development and a resonating view of dealing with gender fluidity in a world that isn’t ready.
This book is a must read! It’s everything!
I haven’t read a book in over three years because I’ve been battling depression. I’m so glad I restarted with this book. Now I’m not saying it cured my depression but it came really close. The way the author takes you through the different characters POVs, you start to feel like you know them; like if you saw them at your local grocery store, you will recognize them. The way they were able to touch on so many topics that some others might find uncomfortable while still drawing you into the lives of the characters? That takes talent that can’t be taught. Please read this book, you’ll be glad you did.