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Freshwater

By Akwaeke Emezi
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Check link for latest rating. ( 35,898 ratings, 5,814 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi explores the life of Ada, a Nigerian woman with multiple selves, described as spirits or gods, inhabiting her mind. The narrative delves into her struggles with identity and mental health as these entities influence her actions and perceptions. Set across Nigeria and the United States, the book intricately weaves cultural and spiritual elements, offering a unique and profound exploration of self-discovery and existence.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by narratives exploring identity and the human psyche through a blend of spirituality and magical realism. This novel dives into the complexities of self-discovery and mental health, offering a unique perspective through its rich mythology and compelling storytelling.

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The debut novel from one of the National Book Foundation's 2018 5 Under 35.

The debut novel from one of the National Book Foundation's 2018 5 Under 35

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'Completely blew me away.' - Daisy Johnson, author of Everything Under

'One of the most dazzling debuts I've ever read.' - Taiye Selasi, author of Ghana Must Go

'I'm urging everyone to read it.' - Sophie Mackintosh, author of The Water Cure

Freshwater introduces us to Ada, who has always been unusual. Her existence is the result of her parents' fervent prayers, yet something seems to have gone awry. As a child, Ada begins to develop separate selves and experiences intense fits of anger and grief.

Upon growing up and attending college in America, a traumatic event causes these selves to solidify into something even more powerful. As Ada fades into the background of her own mind, these "alters"—at times protective, at times hedonistic—assume control, guiding her life down an increasingly perilous path.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi is acclaimed for its original and haunting narrative. Critics praise Emezi's lyrical and surreal prose, describing it as a journey into the complexities of identity and selfhood. The novel challenges traditional storytelling by weaving mythology and personal experience, earning it recognition for its innovative and impactful approach.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571345403

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 202g

Pages: 240

Collections

Akwaeke Emezi Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction

About the Author

Akwaeke Emezi is an Igbo and Tamil writer and video artist based in liminal spaces. They are a recipient of the National Book Foundation's '5 Under 35' award for 2018, selected by Carmen Maria Machado. Born in Umuahia and raised in Aba, Nigeria, Emezi holds two degrees, including an MPA from New York University. In 2017, Emezi was awarded a Global Arts Fund grant and a Sozopol Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction. They won the 2017 Commonwealth Short Story Prize for Africa, and their writing has been published by Dazed Magazine, The Cut, Buzzfeed, Granta Online, Vogue.com, and Commonwealth Writers, among others. Freshwater, which was longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in fiction by the American Library Association, is their debut novel.

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