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The Death of Vivek Oji

By: Akwaeke Emezi
Narrated by: Iwuji Chukwudi, Yetide Badaki
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Summary

They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.

One afternoon, a mother opens her front door to find the length of her son's body stretched out on the veranda, swaddled in akwete material, his head on her welcome mat.

The Death of Vivek Oji transports us to the day of Vivek's birth, the day his grandmother Ahunna died. It is the story of an over protective mother and a distant father, and the heart-wrenching tale of one family's struggle to understand their child, just as Vivek learns to recognize himself.

Teeming with unforgettable characters whose lives have been shaped by Vivek's gentle and enigmatic spirit, it shares with us a Nigerian childhood that challenges expectations. This novel, and its celebration of the innocence and optimism of youth will touch all those who embrace it.

©2020 Akwaeke Emezi (P)2020 Faber Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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What listeners say about The Death of Vivek Oji

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good story but very weird.

Great story telling. But found it weird that he had sex with his cousin. I would understand if they never grew up together but they did. Technically that is incest.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Skillful narration on a difficult theme

Well-written. The descriptions are rich and vivid. The dialogue tense. Emotions leap from the page. I wasn't prepared for the relationship between Vivek and Osita but the lead up was skillful. It tended towards preachy at the end but I appreciated the differnce in opinions on sexuality across generations.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A most moving story

Well written, great descriptions of finding oneself and wanting to express that. I enjoyed the backdrop of Nigerian life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Love Story

Beautifully and written. A young life cut short, grief and regret sensitively handled. Found myself completely immersed in Vivek’s world

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love Akaeke Emezi

wasn't crazy about the make narrator at first but got into it. I loved fresh water more BUT this is also an enthralling book. and pleased to have somrhikg in a contect I can relate to.

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2 people found this helpful

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fantastic story, amazing narrators

this was an absolutely fantastic book to listen to. The story grasped me and entered me into the world from the start, and captured me with the nuanced and detailed characterisations.

The narrators really brought the whole thing to life and elevated it even higher through their excellent range of expressions and tones.

A stunning audiobook that I highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a powerful queer novel

I enjoyed this overall, but sometimes found the writing overly dramatic? Sometimes sounded a bit like a soap opera. That said, the descriptions are gorgeous and the story is deeply moving and much needed!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great read

loved this book. Good narrators, liked how they chose to have 2 narrators, really helps with identifying with the characters. story dragged along at some point but great ending.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Slow start but surprising twist

I always choose my books by listening to the brief introduction to see if I’m hooked. This book took a surprisingly refreshing twist I was not expecting. From that moment I was hooked, I do find the relationship between the two main characters uncomfortable due to their familial relationship, I’m not sure that was needed as it didn’t add any extra value to the story. I do however recommend this book but appreciate culturally its not for everyone as it will make some/many uncomfortable. However that’s also what makes it brilliant. I’ll be looking the author up.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such a beautiful and necessary story

Adeola
I couldn’t stop listening as I wanted to hear everything single detail of the story. Akwaeke is such an incredible author and we are bless to witness such brave trans Nigerian stories being written about in our times.

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2 people found this helpful