37 pages 1 hour read

Akwaeke Emezi

The Death of Vivek Oji

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi uncovers the life and mysterious death of Vivek Oji, a young Nigerian grappling with identity and debilitating blackouts, beginning with his mother's discovery of his lifeless body. Through interwoven narratives, the story reveals familial tensions, Vivek's intimate relationships, and the societal challenges he faces, culminating in a poignant exploration of acceptance and loss. Issues include violence and familial rejection related to gender identity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi is a poignant tale exploring identity and family within a Nigerian context. Praised for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, it effectively portrays the struggles of its central character. However, some found the narrative pacing uneven. Overall, the novel's richness and powerful themes leave a lasting impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Death of Vivek Oji?

Readers who appreciate deeply emotional narratives and complex explorations of identity and family dynamics will enjoy The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi. Fans of Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun will find this book's evocative prose and cultural depth particularly compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

LGBTQ

Love / Sexuality

Grief / Death

Genre

African Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family

Identity: Gender

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality