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.