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The Death of Vivek Oji

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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
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi delves into the poignant story of a Nigerian family grappling with the sudden and mysterious death of Vivek Oji. Through multiple perspectives, it reveals the complexities of identity, love, and the bonds that hold us together, capturing both profound sorrow and the search for understanding.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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 like this book if you enjoy deeply emotional stories that explore identity, family, and the complexities of love and acceptance in a beautifully woven narrative.

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The Death of Vivek Oji

The astonishing new novel from the author of Freshwater - Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Wellcome Book Prize.

The astonishing new novel from the author of Freshwater - Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Wellcome Book Prize

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

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi is a breathtaking and poignant novel that illuminates a contemporary Nigerian family's life through a vivid narrative, rich with emotion and complexity. The story begins dramatically as a mother stumbles upon the lifeless body of her son, Vivek Oji, placed tenderly on her veranda, wrapped in traditional akwete cloth. This encounter propels the reader into an exploration of Vivek's life, family, and the profound impact he had on those around him.

As the novel unfolds, we are transported back to the day of Vivek’s birth, a day marked by the death of his grandmother, Ahunna. This moment sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines life and death, love and loss, and the complexities of identity. The story delves deeply into the dynamics of an overprotective mother, Kavita, and a distant father, Chika, each struggling in their own way to comprehend their unique child. Through their journey, we witness the family grappling with societal norms and personal expectations, attempting to bridge the chasm between who Vivek is and who they perceive him to be.

The Death of Vivek Oji is teeming with unforgettable characters from all walks of life, each influenced by Vivek’s gentle and mystical presence. The novel paints a vivid portrait of Nigerian heritage, brimming with cultural richness and the vibrancy of local traditions. Emezi's storytelling is both lyrical and unflinchingly honest, providing a deep sense of place and personhood that challenges the reader's expectations and preconceptions.

This is a story that goes beyond conventional narrative, blending the innocence and optimism of youth with the painful realities of life. It's a celebration of identity, resilience, and the extraordinary journey of understanding oneself amidst societal constraints. Vivifying and compelling, The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel that touches the soul, urging readers to embrace their authentic selves and the myriad complexities that define the human experience.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571351008

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 May 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 215g

Pages: 256

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About the Author

Akwaeke Emezi is a writer and video artist based in liminal spaces. A 2018 National Book Foundation '5 Under 35' honoree, their debut novel Freshwater was longlisted for both the Women's Prize for Fiction and for the Wellcome Book Prize. It was also a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize, a Lambda Literary Award, and the New York Public Library's Young Lions Award, among others. Their first novel for young adults, Pet, was a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Emezi's writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and The Cut, among other publications.

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