Meeting: March 30 2:45 A 238 Moderator: Marcy Gamzon A brilliant novel and instant New York Times bestseller from the author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette , about a day in the life of Eleanor Flood, forced to abandon her small ambitions and awake to a strange, new future. Eleanor knows she's a mess. But today, she will tackle the little things. She will shower and get dressed. She will have her poetry and yoga lessons after dropping off her son, Timby. She won't swear. She will initiate sex with her husband, Joe. But before she can put her modest plan into action, life happens. Today, it turns out, is the day Timby has decided to fake sick to weasel his way into his mother's company. It's also the day Joe has chosen to tell his office -- but not Eleanor -- that he's on vacation. Just when it seems like things can't go more awry, an encounter with a former colleague produces a graphic memoir whose dramatic tale threatens to reveal a buried family
For me, the Death of Vivich Oji by Akwaeke Emezi was an amazing novel. I typically do not read fiction, but this book unearthed memories and emotions I had not felt in many years. The relationship between Ocita and Vivek reminded me of a similar relationship I had when I was a teenager. Having to hide the love you have for someone is difficult enough but when you are afraid to the point of hurting the very object of your affection, something is very wrong.
ReplyDeleteVivek's mother reminded me of my own mother and the deep-seated disdain she had for the gay community. Vivek's mother, Cavita, only realized how she and her husband created a home where Vivek could not feel comfortable and safe until it was too late. Vivek only felt happy and comfortable turning to his close friends for acceptance and safety to express his true self.
I was surprised at the number of sex scenes in this novel. They were handled with finesse by the author and I could appreciate the imagery and language used to create the scenes. However, I am not sure I would feel comfortable using this novel in school due its graphic nature. Maybe I am just being old fashioned. But the themes and message are so good and I think the students would so enjoy it, especially because of the LGBTQAI+ issues, which are all present in the novel that it may be well worth the attempt.
The one scene that will stick with me is near the end of the book, when Ocita is telling us what actually happened to Vivek the day he died. I am still angry that Ocita did not tell Cavita the truth. I think this is what would most likely happen in real life, but I wanted Ocita set free as well.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel for an adult audience. I am not sure that I would use it in school, though I truly would like to. I would be open to suggestions on how this book could be used in the classroom.