45 pages 1 hour read

Akwaeke Emezi

Freshwater

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi explores the life of Ada, from her birth in Nigeria to adulthood, as she navigates internal and external conflicts influenced by being inhabited by ogbanje spirits. These spirits guide and protect her through traumas, relationships, and her journey toward self-acceptance amidst struggles with identity, mental health, and spirituality. The novel discusses sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, and domestic abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Akwaeke Emezi's Freshwater captivates with its unique narrative voice and exploration of identity, mental health, and spirituality. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and bold storytelling. However, some find its nonlinear structure and intense themes challenging. Overall, it’s lauded for its originality and profound impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Freshwater?

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi is ideal for readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven narratives that explore identity, mental health, and spirituality. Fans of works like The Color Purple by Alice Walker or The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy will appreciate its lyrical prose and complex themes.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Magical Realism

Fantasy

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

LGBTQ

Mental Illness

Themes

Identity: Mental Health

Identity: Gender

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality