The Death of Vivek Oji: Book Spotlight
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died. That is the opening text of The Death of Vivek Oji.
Set in the1980s Nigeria, when you read Vivek’s story, you will realize many things. One that it is not only Vivek’s story, but that of his grieving mother looking back on the life of the son she thought she knew, but never really understood.
Vivek Oji son to Chika, and Kavita was born on the day his grandmother died. And although they considered it reincarnation in their Igbo heritage, Vivek ended up with the same starfish scar on the exact placement that his grandmother Alhunna had. His parents decided not to speak of it, as they did not want to burden Vivek with the tale. But “How else could that scar have entered the world on flesh if it had not left in the first place? A thing cannot be in two places at once.” Chika once said.
There are many moving passages in Akwaeke Emezi’s novel, but one in particular sticks with me. It is the moment Kavita is looking back on Vivek’s final meal with the family at home.
{Related Post: The Helm of Midnight —Uncovering the Magic of the Gods}
The Death Vivek Oji is a harrowing tale
“Of course he picked out his three cubes of sugar, let them dissolve into the milk. Of course, he ate the cornflakes quickly – he never liked them soggy – then tipped the bowl to his mouth and drank the sweetened milk. In this moment, Kavita remembered every moment of her child feeding himself, as if it was the first time. She reminisced on that sweetness and treasuring it as if it was the last moment it was.
As the book progresses, we witness Vivek’s life unfurl through the eyes of the people who loved him most. From Osita, Vivek’s cousin and oldest friend, turned lover (this honestly is weird, but hey) we learn about Vivek’s childhood. We learn that Vivek fights ALOT, he spends most of his childhood in military school to toughen up. His father essentially sees him as weak, and too sensitive. From his mother, Kavita, we see a mother’s perspective. The shelter that all mothers give. We see his mental breakdown, his weight loss, the need to grow out his hair, and the devastation of finding his body on the porch when he is left dead.
And then there is Juju. Juju starts as a childhood acquaintance in a group called the Nigerwives. She becomes so much more to Vivek through his transformation. Especially while he comes into his own.
The Death of Vivek Oji is a Story of Family and Friendship
Vivek’s parents are grief-stricken. Chika fights with accepting that these things might happen in a country torn asunder by violence. Kavita is desperate to understand what happened to her son. Asking questions to anyone until she has the answers she desperately needs. She is the one who found him that faithful morning, and all she wants is to understand the events that led up to that moment.
Vivek was a gentle soul, a free spirit who felt chained by a world that sought to define him. He only felt comfortable letting his guard down with his friends.
The Death of Vivek Oji is a heartbreaking tale. The story was so beautifully presented. Emezi has a great talent for moving the story fluidly. Using the characters and their memories to propel the story to the next section, while still keeping it seamless. Osita narrated some sections, some by Vivek, most being in third person. We are given pieces of the puzzle throughout the story to piece together, but never too much, which was a nice addition to the mystery.
There are moments that are incredibly hard to swallow. Particularly the sexual interaction between Osita and Vivek, not because they are boys (love is love), but because they are cousins. Whilst it isn’t uncommon for such interactions, as mentioned previously, I found this to be incredibly weird. Detracting minor points from the story, though it redeemed itself in so many other areas that it doesn’t even show.
As I closed The Death of Vivek Oji, I couldn’t help but say wow, shedding a tear. This is a story of identity- learning to be comfortable within your skin, sexuality- expressing yourself, love- and those who love you, grief- and how we cope with the loss of the ones we lose, friendship- and the bonds we make, and leading the life YOU want. It is also the story of a mother’s love for her child and the desperate need to understand him. It is easily considered powerful, poignant, and Emeze’s best novel.
As a mother, I couldn’t imagine finding my child bloodied on my porch, left as if no one cared. I ended this book pausing, thinking about my own children. Reminiscing on their laughter, the silly way they act, things they say, and mannerisms. Even if you don’t have children, this tale reminds you to cherish those you love. And everyone should read it. Please read this book!
3 Comments