I enjoyed this story and seeing the characters grow and mature. I would read more from this author. The cover is absolutely gorgeous too.

I normally like Emezi's book, but this was a lot of foolishness.

We're meant to believe that Feyi is torn up and bereaved from the loss of her husband yet we don't really get anything about them or who he was. He's just this 1-dimensional dead husband that she honestly doesn't really have a hard time moving on from. All the art about her trauma felt incredibly try-hard, which was definitely not the angle it was supposed to come across at. Plus, the whole plot/love story was just messy. Getting with your basically-boyfriend's dad???? Disaster. There were a million ways this could have gone and not one of them was good. And you're supposed to sympathize with them???? What, the couple with an 1/8 tsp of chemistry? The only thing they bonded over was how hot they were and their trauma. I don't believe their love for a second.

Anyways.....no

Believe the hype around this one. It’s such a beautiful yet sad love story. I normally don’t read books like this one and I will admit that there were times I had a hard time with the content BUT in the end I was so happy I read it. This one is not to be missed.

The first thing that drew me to this book was how GORGEOUS the cover is!

As a debut romance, this was so well done.

Feyi starts the story heartbroken after the loss of her husband. Although in the past , the accident still haunts her daily dreams.

I loved the bisexual representation throughout the story.

Emezi always approaches their stories in a unique way. Despite this being a romance it definitely isn’t your average romance novel.

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi is a captivating read for anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of grief, romance, and self-discovery, and is looking for a poignant and uplifting story that explores the power of love, identity, and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

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!!