A messy and complex exploration of finding love again after the death of a soulmate.

I really enjoyed this novel. It depicts the raw human emotions of being somewhat ready to date after the death of a soulmate; the complexity that comes with it and how love comes at the most unexpected of ways. I loved that both characters explore their heartbreak and trauma over the loss of their soulmate and the willingness to try to love again even if it is messy and met with resistance.

If you're a fan of Akwaeke Emezi, don't sleep on this one! I listened to the audiobook and it was *chef's kiss*

I love this author, this was their first foray into romance, which I usually don’t read but made an exception for them. I love all of the art talk that goes on, but the live sometimes felt sensational for the sake of being sensational.

"You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty" by Akwaeke Emezi captivates with its raw emotion and lyrical beauty. Emezi's words are both haunting and powerful, exploring themes of identity, love, loss, and resilience with exquisite depth and nuance. Emezi's unique voice and perspective shine through in every line, making this collection a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty" is a testament to Emezi's talent and leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

I’m late to the game with my review of this one, but I firmly believe books stick with me more depending on what I’m going through in life.
This book is no exception, as I went through my review copy on the heels of 3 deaths in my life. The raw exploration of grief, coupled with recovery of oneself, made this read a very powerful one for me. Please note this is a SPICY read with quite a bit of detail and language.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy.

DNF @ 30%. Between “she let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding” and being into her not a boyfriend but kind of a boyfriend’s dad… I can’t. Sorry! This character makes no sense to me!

This was such a beautiful and well written book. I continue to love Emezi’s work. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance, which really diminished my enjoyment of the novel. I understand it’s point, love is messy and whatnot, but I really could not get over the fact that that was her ex’s father. It felt very uncomfortable to read. That’s just my personal opinion, and others might not feel the same.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi - 4/5
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi may not be what one considers to be their typical romance but don't let that discourage you from picking it up. In this book we follow Feyi on her journey to finding love again after dealing with loss. This book is messy and sexy but also covers important topics like grief in a delicate way.

Akwaeke Emezi is a brilliant and sad writer, this book had me deep in my feelings, so conflicted about the two love interests. I do understand that this is being marketed as a romance but it was much more literary & introspective than most genre romances. Highly recommend! Great queer rep.

Picture this, you’re on a roof top and you notice a thick thighs terracotta skin dark copper beard man and all you can do is think about what his skin feels like on and in you. You have baggage, widowed and haunted by your lovers death and dead body. Hasn’t been touched in five years what would you do?

Feyi does plenty!

I appreciated her patience with herself, her ability to be logical and choose herself and maintain her boundaries throughout the novel. I wrote a lot in this book, notes include “Feyi don’t care about none of that shit!”

“I love women who can find power in using their vaginas as weapons/tools to release/to breathe.”

“Do not punish yourself!”

“Visibility” a lot.

Feyi is an artist, with colorful hair, a queer best friend, not confined to a desk. She was redefining what she knew to be true. Fighting off impostor syndrome and her desires. I wanted to see her win throughout. Emezi has created a millennial character, one of promise and aware of herself. She isn't messy, she is existing, doing the best she can with what she knows until she knows better. A lot of this story felt like Feyi’s love story to herself, I loved this for her.

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed: the setting, the descriptions of food and the landscape, and how unique this story was. But, there was more that I didn't like. The tension in the book felt more uncomfortable than intriguing, and the situation just felt all around sketchy to me. I do appreciate the risks this book took, and I certainly wasn't bored by any of it!

In was very excited about this book. When I read the blurb it seemed like such a unique plot. But unfortunately down the line it turns into a very bizarre free for all, with the main character having an affair with her boyfriend's father.
It's not at all about being prudish or moralistic. It's about the fact that these characters don't make us connect with them in any way. Several times I found myself just pushing through, not really caring about how these people were going to end up. It had potential, but unfortunately, the author never gets "there."

You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty is a breathtaking work of literature that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. Akwaeke Emezi's exquisite prose, thought-provoking themes, and unforgettable characters create a unforgettable reading experience. This novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the beauty of embracing one's true self. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a transformative and mesmerizing journey through the realms of love, identity, and the human spirit.

I am so thankful to Atria Books, Netgalley, and Akwaeke Emezi for granting me advanced digital and physical access to this jarring thriller. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to consume more of this like-minded content going forward.

I’m not sure this one was for me! I was discomforted by the relationship between Fayi and Alim… it seemed like we were waiting for the other shoe to drop and then it just…didn’t.. I found it unique and different than most contemporary romance but not sure if it was for me.

While reading and listening to You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by @akwaekeemezi (audiobook narrated by the amazing Bahni Turpin) I had no idea where this plot was heading. And I couldn't believe the turns and twists it took! Nuts! ⁣

This book was all of the buzz in 2022 and a National Book Award Finalist as a fresh & seductive novel about a young woman seeking joy while healing from loss. It has some steamy parts, some sad parts, and asks how far would you be willing to go for a second chance at love? Audiobook narrator Bahni Turpin is a must-listen and the friendship and banter between Joy and Feyi is absolutely hilarious!!

Rich and beautifully written lustful story. I loved the love triangle, exotic descriptions and in depth character development. A favorite of 2022. Will read more by this author. 5/5 stars!

This is a difficult one to rate. Emezi is undoubtedly a talented wordsmith; her writing is deeply evocative and lush, and her dialogue is realistic almost to a fault. She, in a way, is trying to create her own spin on the romance novel and its tropes. This is basically the story of a woman who, following a tragedy, is convinced she is closed to love. She meets the right person at the wrong time and their complicated story ensues. It sounds pretty standard, but something in the details kept this story from falling together successfully.

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is emotional, messy and dramatic. An intense story about love and grief. Not your typical romance novel. The story is beautifully written, extremely heartfelt and vulnerable.

This isn’t the usual type of book by Akwaeke Emezi. They usually write more social commentary but this was a spicy messy romance. I didn’t love it but I enjoyed it enough that I finished the whole thing and didn’t leave it as did not finish so that says something. I liked the book. I LOVED the mess.

Yeyi lost the love of her life in a car accident five years ago. She attempts to get back into the world through a series of ill-fated connections. When she finds the love of her life in an unexpected place, it is set to blow up her life and his. Will they make it work in the messy world of love? Find out in Akwaeke Emezi's You Made a Fool of Death with your Beauty.

This story starts out with Yeyi having sex in a bathroom with a man she just met. Sparks don't exactly fly after that, so she moves on to his friend, but she tries to slow things down. When he flies her out to meet his father, she wasn't expecting to meet a world-famous chef or fall in love with him. It gets really messy, but passion and love are true. They are willing to risk it all which can be a very scary situation at times.

I loved the romance near the end of the book. The poetry in which they profess their love is stunning.

Favorite Passage:
I was here minding my business, you know, a successful recluse, and then this loud and beautiful woman comes into my home, into my garden, comes with me to the sunrise, and utterly blindsides me. You are so generous with your heart. You were like light. I couldn’t help but to turn my face to you if I wanted to keep living.”