According to Goodreads . . . Felix Love has never been in love—and, yes, he’s painfully aware of the irony. He desperately wants to know what it’s like and why it seems so easy for everyone but him to find someone. What’s worse is that, even though he is proud of his identity, Felix also secretly fears that he’s one marginalization too many—Black, queer, and transgender—to ever get his own happily-ever-after. When an anonymous student begins sending him transphobic messages—after publicly posting Felix’s deadname alongside images of him before he transitioned—Felix comes up with a plan for revenge. What he didn’t count on: his catfish scenario landing him in a quasi–love triangle.... But as he navigates his complicated feelings, Felix begins a journey of questioning and self-discovery that helps redefine his most important relationship: how he feels about himself. Felix Ever After is an honest and layered story about identity, falling in love, and recognizing the love you d...
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.