Freshwater Summary
"Freshwater" is a haunting and powerful audiobook by Nigerian-American author Akwaeke Emezi. The audiobook is read by the author herself, who brings her lyrical prose to life with a haunting and beautiful voice.
The story is a surreal and mystical exploration of identity and mental illness, told through the eyes of Ada, a young woman who is born with "ogbanje", a Yoruba term for a malevolent spirit that is believed to bring misfortune and death to a family. As Ada grows up, she struggles to find her place in the world, torn between her Nigerian heritage and her American upbringing, and haunted by the voices and visions of her spirits.
Akwaeke Emezi's writing is lyrical and poetic, and her narration is equally powerful. Her voice is soft and melodic, but with an undercurrent of pain and longing that perfectly captures the emotional depth of the story. She brings a unique perspective to the audiobook, having lived through many of the experiences and cultural conflicts that Ada faces.
The audiobook is not for everyone, as it deals with some heavy and challenging themes, including mental illness, sexual assault, and self-harm. However, for those who are able to handle the difficult subject matter, "Freshwater" is a beautiful and thought-provoking work of fiction.
Overall, "Freshwater" is a stunning and captivating audiobook, with a haunting and lyrical prose that will stay with listeners long after they finish. Akwaeke Emezi's narration adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, making it a must-listen for fans of literary fiction and surrealism.
