Named one of the years most anticipated books by The New York Times Harpers Bazaar BuzzFeed and moreWhat does it mean for a family to lose a child they never really knew?One afternoon in a town in southeastern Nigeria a mother opens her front door to discover her sons body wrapped in colorful fabric at her feet. What follows is the tumultuous heart-wrenching stoNamed one of the years most anticipated books by The New York Times Harpers Bazaar BuzzFeed and moreWhat does it mean for a family to lose a child they never really knew?One afternoon in a town in southeastern Nigeria a mother opens her front door to discover her sons body wrapped in colorful fabric at her feet. What follows is the tumultuous heart-wrenching story of one familys struggle to understand a child whose spirit is both gentle and mysterious. Raised by a distant father and an understanding but overprotective mother Vivek suffers disorienting blackouts moments of disconnection between self and surroundings. As adolescence gives way to adulthood Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm boisterous daughters of the Nigerwives foreign-born women married to Nigerian men. But Viveks closest bond is with Osita the worldly high-spirited cousin whose teasing confidence masks a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens???and Osita struggles to understand Viveks escalating crisis???the mystery gives way to a heart-stopping act of violence in a moment of exhilarating freedom. Propulsively readable teeming with unforgettable characters The Death of Vivek Oji is a novel of family and friendship that challenges expectations???a dramatic story of loss and transcendence that will move every reader.(less)