You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

A Novel

De: Akwaeke Emezi

Narrado por: Bahni Turpin

A Good Morning America Buzz Pick

“A love story like no other, and this one…will have you gripped from page one.” —Vogue

“An unabashed ode to living with, and despite, pain and mortality.” —The New York Times Book Review

A New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and “one of our greatest living writers” (Shondaland) reimagines the love story in this “riveting and emotional exploration of grief and taking a second chance on love” (PopSugar).

Feyi Adekola wants to learn how to be alive again.

It’s been five years since the accident that killed the love of her life and she’s almost a new person now—an artist with her own studio and sharing a brownstone apartment with her ride-or-die best friend, Joy, who insists it’s time for Feyi to ease back into the dating scene. Feyi isn’t ready for anything serious, but a steamy encounter at a rooftop party cascades into a whirlwind summer she could have never imagined: a luxury trip to a tropical island, decadent meals in the glamorous home of a celebrity chef, and a major curator who wants to launch her art career.

She’s even started dating the perfect guy, but their new relationship might be sabotaged before it has a chance by the overwhelming desire Feyi feels every time she locks eyes with the one person who is most definitely off-limits—his father. Can she release her past and honor her grief while still embracing her future? And, of course, there’s the biggest question of all—how far is she willing to go for a second chance at love?

“With tenderhearted characters and an immaculate balance of realistic dialogue and lyrical prose” (BuzzFeed), Akwake Emezi’s vivid and passionate writing takes us deep into a world of possibility and healing. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is a “a love letter to the brave choices we make in the name of love, the costs we pay for it, and the glory of the reward at the end” (Marie Claire).

©2022 Akwaeke Emezi. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved

Phenomenal

Let me start by saying that Bahni Turpin could read a receipt and I’d be all ears. The way her accent switched on this story so flawlessly and effortlessly, was astounding.

Initially I thought Feyi needed serious therapy and then found out she was in therapy. From sleeping with a guy at a party to “dating” a guy and being flown out, to falling for the guys father was MESSY! And not only that, her best friend whom she lives with, ate the box years ago and they’re still cool.

When the ish hit the fan and Nassir (spelling because I listened to the audiobook) ripped into her, and then she put on her big girl panties and let him know he was out of line was chef’s kiss. And what made it better was when he tried to throw her out and his father let him know she wasn’t going anywhere and that was his house. Alim (spelling) can get it. All day every day. He is a real man.

Lorraine didn’t like Feyi from jump, and I don’t know why, but she especially doesn’t like her now.

I loved the LGBTQ representation on the book. The story itself flowed smoothly and the range of emotions that were brought to life could be felt. I first heard about this book on TikTok and the way it was presented made me want to get it. I’m glad I did.

Read it

Enjoyed this book. There was so many take aways. My book club loved the book.

I really enjoyed this book

It wasn’t that I was dying to read it everyday but I did enjoy it.

Excellent

Spoiler alert!
I saw this book mentioned on IG and was intrigued. It did not disappoint! Kept me coming back for more. The sex scenes were not at all repetitive like some other writers. The writing was exquisite and drew Such a beautiful pictures. We felt what Feyi felt! I really don’t understand the title but I’m happy the book ended before she went back home. I felt the end already dragged on after Nasir found out. Plus I was just thinking, sleep with him already! Very good escape because the love story part was unrealistic for sure. It’s one thing to fall for someone’s dad, but he is also a celebrity chef with loads of money and restaurants all over the world…. Come on now!

All Smiles

I listened to this book I almost a day. I was hooked from page one. I smiled the whole time listening. The words painted a vivid picture as if I was watching the scenes unfold right before my eyes. Love love
love this book.

The complexity is top tier!

Wow, this book will wound you up, cuddle you, smother you, and make you completely obsessed to reach the ending. It made my question morals, values, grieving and the reclamation of real love. It was beautiful and captivating.

Not for me.

This storyline could have offered more depth. I was left wanting more depth of the characters and the story, overall.

Great read!

The set up was a smidge predictable but I truly loved the story. A beautiful young woman gets the chance to be loved unconditionally, twice! Love truly does concours all.

the messiest protagonist on earth

amidst all of the chisme, there’s a really beautiful poignant story about grief, self destruction, love, hope, and need. it’s packaged in a kind of crazy way. most of the characters have depth to them, are well written and perceptive. id recommend this for sure

Love makes you do crazy things.

The book starts off a wildly entertaining. The performance took some time getting used to, as she bounced back and forth between male and female characters. Although morally challenging at times this story lit a fire in me. Love wins.