- Ronisha J.
- Thursday, June 23, 2022
"The Death of Vivek Oji is a propulsive, titanic book. Emezi doesn't simply tell stories; they create genres, making new stories, new characters, feel as forever as thunder, clouds, and betrayal."
-Kiese Laymon
They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.
How do you feel about reading a book in reverse? From the title, we know that Vivek will die. We do not know how or why.
Vivek was born on the day that his grandmother died. He is born with the same scar on his foot that she had – one she got from stepping on a stick. It is through his life, and death that we learn the significance of this and discover who Vivek really is.
When Vivek’s body is discovered on the front porch of his parents’ home, many questions arise. How? Why? Who? Who would wrap him so carefully and place him there without a word?
As Vivek’s mother grieves, she is on a hunt to find out what happened to her child. What she discovers is that she didn’t really know Vivek at all. Her search initially starts with searching for a necklace that Vivek has worn since he was a child. She is not prepared for the truth that is revealed.
This story takes us through the birth, life and death of Vivek Oji. We cannot fully understand why he died without learning about the history of his family, their culture, and the role that those around him played in his death.
The Death of Vivek Oji explores the intricacies of love, family, Nigerian culture and friendship. All of these are confronted as the mystery of his death is uncovered.
The Death of Vivek Oji
Akwaeke Emezi, author
Riverhead Books [2020]
Format: Book, ebook, eaudiobook, large print
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