"Maybe we were all pretending to be fine because the world gave us no other option."

This powerful and heartbreaking story of an identity beginning to unfold after death was gritty and hard to read. I cried during a few moments, especially in the final chapter, which upon finishing seemed to envelop me in a deep sense of calm. 

There is no doubt that Akwaeke Emezi can write a damn book. However, I felt that there were a few choices in the writing and storyline to be unnecessary. That being said, I was able to look further into the message behind the book itself and still walked away with a deep appreciation of this beautiful story.

*****Lots of trigger warnings so please proceed with care when picking this up--
transphobia, domestic violence, animal sacrifice, infidelity, death of a loved one, incest, religious trauma, emotional abuse.