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52 pages 1 hour read

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Akwaeke Emezi

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi follows Feyi Adekola, a young widow and visual artist, as she navigates life and love after losing her husband. When an opportunity arises to further her art career, Feyi travels with a new romantic interest to his father's tropical island. Upon meeting the father, a celebrity chef, she feels an intense connection, prompting her to reconsider her grief, love, and future. The book addresses themes of loss, grief, and relationships.

Emotional

Romantic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.8

55,597 ratings

56%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Emezi's You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty skillfully navigates grief, healing, and self-discovery, capturing readers with lush prose and vivid emotional landscapes. While praised for its authentic characters and poignant storytelling, some found the plot pace uneven. This evocative novel leaves a lasting impact, balancing beauty and pain.

Who should read this

Who Should Read You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty?

A reader who enjoys You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi is likely interested in lush, emotive storytelling and deep character exploration. Fans of Normal People by Sally Rooney or An American Marriage by Tayari Jones will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of romantic and personal identity evolution.

3.8

55,597 ratings

56%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Character List

Feyikemi Ayomide Adekola

A 29-year-old artist and widow living in Brooklyn, navigating grief and seeking healing through art and new relationships. The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she is central to the story's exploration of love and recovery.

A celebrated celebrity chef residing on a Caribbean island, known for his expressive cooking and artistic lifestyle. As a widower, he provides a unique connection through shared experiences of grief.

Feyi’s best friend and former lover, who embodies an enthusiastic and vivacious perspective on life. She supports Feyi while navigating her own relationships and cultural expectations.

The 27-year-old son of Alim Blake, who initially appears to be Feyi’s potential romantic interest. He offers kindness and support while Feyi processes her grief.

Feyi's first romantic encounter after her husband's death, providing a casual re-entry into the world of relationships. He remains a supportive friend with his own past relationship complexities.

A wealthy art collector who commissions Feyi’s work, providing professional opportunities and influencing Feyi’s artistic expression. Her character is marked by a vibrant personality and her own experiences with grief.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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