How would you live if you carried a secret that someone would hurt you for? More, how would you die?
What would you do if you lost your only child? How would you weep? Resigned and silent… Loud and unforgiving…
In The Death of Vivek Oji, author Akwaeke Emezi shares sections of Vivek’s life and the lives of those close to him leading up to Vivek’s death and beyond.
Vivek Oji’s death is not a secret. Its occurrence is not the climax of the story.
The title is purposefully vague. While the injuries are presented, we do not know the details. Vivek’s mother, Kavita, goes in search of the truth.
She learns more than she bargained for.
We think, “Not in my town.” “Not where I live.” “That doesn’t happen here.”
And we are wrong.
The unwarranted hatred projected onto gendervariant and LQBTQ+ people throughout the world is real. And it does become violent.
When you read The Death of Vivek Oji, if you take nothing else away, think of what actions you can take to make the world a safer place for all.
What can you do to ensure the richness and fullness of life deserved by every one of us?
Other than that it makes you think, I liked that while the chapters flit between characters, it’s not confusing. Exploration of relationships – platonic, romantic, sexual, and familial – is a vital component of this story.
The character development is good and the plot is enticing. Sometimes the timeline may throw you off but take your time and connect with the characters.
And take time to think about the things in this story that give you pause or make you uncomfortable. Work through and past it.
Let me know what you think of this one, friends! Learn more abut Akwaeke Emezi and their other works and accomplishments here.
