By Sheri (@afictionalinterlude)

You Made a Fool of death with your beauty

The story follows Feyi, an artist in her 20s who makes a move to feel alive again five years after surviving the accident that claimed her husband's life.

This book was messy and consuming in equal measure and I had the best time reading it. The astonishing thing about the writing is that it spins a love story that is unconventional and admittedly in poor taste and causes you to suspend your judgement. 

The story is grief and yearning made flesh, it's guilt amidst the forbidden, it's light in spite of the dark. It's daring to feel again, to love again when you thought you'd always be a shell of who you once were. You feel immersed in this story through Emezi's masterful storytelling that paints a vivid picture - the food, the scents, the music, the scenery - a foray into a virtual paradise.

The story is grief and yearning made flesh, it's guilt amidst the forbidden, it's light in spite of the dark.

Akwaeke Emezi writes passion so alluringly and I especially loved the progression of this love story. It was sort of like a slow burning cinder suddenly catching the wind and swiftly spiralling out of control scorching all unfortunate enough to be left in its path. An absolutely beautiful conflagration. I also love that Emezi pays homage to their Nigerian roots in this book, glorifying Nigerian art and artists, and expectedly, Nigerian stereotypes as well. I adore Emezi's versatility, how all their books are so different and yet there's always a common thread, that need by the characters to take up space rather than simply existing.
Do not be too quick to judge this book from the first few chapters, to be thrown off by it's vulgarity, to presume to surmise it's depth or lack of. I promise, it will consume you and you will wholeheartedly abide it. 

Review by Tee (@teesbookjourney)  

🤯 Finished this book and my mind's doing cartwheels! "Wild" barely covers it – things escalated to a whole new level I didn't see coming. Plot twist of the century!

Now, let's talk about Joy – she's on the authentic express train, dealing with grief like a boss. 🚂💔 Living in the moment, taking it day by day – not reckless, just on a "today's agenda" vibe.

Enter Nasir – I was vibing with him until things got shakier than a Jenga tower during an earthquake. Privilege, spoiled antics, and a dash of childish behavior – yikes!

The golden nugget of wisdom? Grief has its own timeline, and happiness trumps societal expectations. You're the one sitting in your high chair at the end of the day, after all.
Beneath the surface, this book's got layers like a decadent cake. 🍰 A wild ride and a wonderful read – buckle up! 🎢📚 

Review by Tionna (@readwithtee)

YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY was a beautiful read that captured the essence of grief, the process of dealing and navigating through what you have lost and allowing yourself to accept and move on from it

 
It was incredibly written. Though the story itself was messy at times it was tasteful, and I LOVED IT. The story follows Feyi who is still grieving and feels broken after the loss of her husband five years ago. Although she is still struggling with the pain of his death, she begins to put herself back out there and explore intimate relationships but are limited to boundaries she is comfortable with. This journey leads Feyi to an island; finding passion, and a sense of calmness in someone she was not expecting to find it. The characters were brilliant. I loved and admired the complexity of Feyi and how her character developed throughout the read. Though she was flawed, I appreciated how honest she was, follows her heart and never sugarcoated her feelings no matter the outcome.

 I also loved her best friend, Joy; she was so supportive and always kept it real with Feyi. I loved the relationship between Feyi and Alim. Although their coupling was not something they were expecting to find, you could feel that chemistry between them in their early interactions. I loved the way they were able to connect with each other in the loss of a loved one. They accepted each other for who they are, both identify as queer, especially Alim who felt he had to hide who he was to his children, who do not accept this part of him. It was like he found his person in Feyi and finally able to breathe in a safe place in her presence. I also loved how Alim treated Feyi with so much respect. The way they communicate with each other is incredible, they lay everything on the table and are completely honest with each other and what they are feelingOverall, this was an amazing read. Akwaeke Emezi's writing and storytelling is phenomenal. I cannot wait to read more of their work