In four years, the Nigerian writer and multidisciplinary artist Akwaeke Emezi has put out seven books across five genres. And they're good too—outstanding actually, each one wholly original. Their most recent work, You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, delves into one of my favorite genres: romance.
The book begins five years after the accident that killed the love of Feyi Adekola's life and follows Feyi as she tries to rebuild her sense of self and move forward under the weight of this loss. Not exactly a meet-cute set up, but this is romance Emezi-style; the joy of it is not found in the anticipation of an inevitable coupling (frankly, I wasn't entirely sure which relationship I was meant to root for) nor the improbable scenarios (though dashing gentlemen, an island getaway, gourmet food, and an incredible art exhibit all feature). Instead, expect to be reeled in by the story of a young woman felled by loss, who is learning how to hold her grief without letting it engulf her.
Emezi's writing is vivid and poignant; the story feels raw and messy, hopeful and lovely all at once. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty got under my skin and made me grateful to be alive.
Emma Nichols co-owns the Norwich Bookstore with her partner Sam Kaas. When not at the bookstore you’ll most likely find her reading books, baking bread, tinkering with spreadsheets, or pulling tarot cards.