Review: Inner Alchemy - The Path of Mastery by Zulma Reyo

 This is an updated edition of the same book that was originally published in 1989. In this book, which crosses the line between a non-fiction and academic text, Zulma Reyo draws on her decades of experience and education in the field of inner alchemy. 

The book itself comprises many things: learning what inner alchemy is; best practices of meditation; connecting with the spiritual plane; and the human energetic anatomy (e.g. The Chakras). A lot of this was very new to me, having known very little to do with this field beforehand, but I was impressed by how rigorous and thoughtful the book is. 

It's not a self-help meditation book, although there are guided meditations in it. It's a comprehensive work about the intangible and energetic parts of the human body. Therefore, it's not a book that can be consumed quickly (although I tried!) It's a book to come back to time and again, and if you have an interest in that field and how it can help you, then it's a perfect fit. 

visit www.zrsoc.com if you're interested to find out more. 

Review: The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

 Note: I received a review copy of this book in exchange for a review as part of the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize blog tour. 

"They burnt down the market the day Vivek Oji died."

This is probably the best and most haunting opening line and chapter of a book that I have ever read, and it does a perfect job of setting the tone for the whole book. Akwaeke Emezi creates an emotional world out of a community of several families that is expansive, deep, and gut-wrenching. 

The two main POVs in the book are Vivek and Osita. They are cousins, as close as brothers, yet their relationship is fractured as teenagers, for a time. Eventually they find each other as they are finding themselves; Osita, in his sexuality, and Vivek, in his sexuality and gender identity. 

It's a traditional world, though, and Vivek's parents (Chika and Kavita) are terrified of what is happening to their son, both because of their own values and for his security. Chika finds comfort in the arms of another woman while Kavita is pouring herself into her son. 

Vivek doesn't find security with his parents for much longer. He finds it in his female friends, who don't judge his expressions, and - at last - Osita, whose burgeoning relationship is as deep as it is fragile. 

What is one meant to do when one does not want to live according to gender expections? Although Vivek can't be entirely open, they try - eventually dressing in a non-conforming way and more (though I won't reveal that). Ultimately, though, the story ends in tragedy. And the of the book displays its brilliance even more once the story is finished. It tells us enough but not everything. 

I'm sad to say that this is probably the first book by a non-binary author I've ever read. The author and the story prove how worthwhile in their own right, and not just for the representation of the community. These authors and stories deserve more presence, both culturally and personally.