This is my last Emezi book, I’m up to date on all their works finally! I’m having a good time, not the greatest time, not the best time, but a good time.

This book also made me start a lesbian / sapphic reading list for a specific reason present in Emezi’s other books. This is about to become a review I don’t usually write, an actual critique of an author's work. Emezi’s talented at everything they do, no complaints there. It’s poignant to me, though, to have two bisexual characters who end up with the opposite sex. Of course bisexuals can end up with whoever but ALL of Emezi’s books are like that (I guess not the YA). This book could’ve been more powerful with a milf mommy. The book could’ve been more powerful if Alim explained to his kids that he previously chose them over another great love (the man he dated) and this person now reminded him that he shouldn’t’ve had to choose. But knowing what I know about Emezi, based on all of their books, they don’t care to explain things to people. Even in this book Feyi tells Nasir she doesn’t owe him that explanation. It happens in Freshwater with the Ala and their ex husband, I’m pretty sure it happens in Little Rot. This seems to be a fundamental feature of, if not Emezi’s mindset as a person (not me armchair diagnosing), Emezi’s writing style / themes that will always come up in their writing. A very “I don’t owe you anything” mindset. The only reason I don’t like it is because this could’ve enhanced the story, made way for more character exploration. This is so long.

Back to basics, I made the lesbian / sapphic reading list because this book frustrated me. Queer relationships aren't a gimmick, something for a bi girl to do with her player lesbian bestie, just for her to end up with a man in the end. Nor are queer relationships gateways for a man to be in a societally acceptable looking relationship in the end. The queer relationships in Emezi's books frustrated me to make the list because its' the same thing I would write as a teenager. It's just a little easter egg funny little tidbit that the female main character kisses and goes on dates with her lesbian best friend! But they;d never end up together! Her soulmate is a man! Very sad. Very frustrating. I don't do that anymore. This critique of Emezi is more of my own personal issue that bubbled up. I still love their work and still will continue reading but I wanted to voice my frustration for my future self who's gonna look back at my reviews and go "How did I feel about that one again? Oh yeah. Woof."

From my notes: Emezi writes sex a lot like Toni Morrison did, either the characters or very bored or it is deeply animalistic. I love it. Also my guess for the location of the island is Dominica. French influence, English speaking, near Antigua. I don't know if Dominica has mountains though... Also also love them name dropping their sister. I'd do it too!