Transition

by Akwaeke Emezi

My surgeries were a bridge across realities, a spirit customizing its vessel to reflect its nature.

Genres: Nonfiction

7 pages, Unbound

First published January 19, 2018

Reviews

[Essence McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a quest to read their entire catalog (all the books and essays) like I've done with so many other incredibly talented authors (my favorite author's favorite author).

Every piece is a journey. In Transition, a favorite line is: "You are a thing that was born to die, you are a dead thing even while you live. Igbo ontology explains that everyone is in a cycle of reincarnation anyway — you are your ancestor, you will become an ancestor, the loop will keep looping within the lineage."

I haven't been this excited about an author in a very long time. She writes in a way that makes me want to clap and then go write. I gasp at some of her sentences. That's just talent. The next book is in the mail.

[jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was really eloquently and beautifully written, and gave us a genuine look at their life and the ways in which they transitioned. I do feel like I couldn't understand everything, that some concepts they were explaining about Igbo spirituality and how they're an obanje felt difficult to grasp, but I think I'll try to do some more of my own readings on this. But pretty well written

[Arianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels weird to rate this since its only a 7 page essay but 1. I love the reaffirmation that transphobia [words] is violence. The inability to be seen, to feel whole through someone else's gaze (no matter how badly we want to act like it doesn't matter).

Final line that I loved/that resonated with me:
"it has been grueling to remake myself each time I learn more about who or what I am-to take the steps that such remaking requires...[but] even when it meant stepping out of one reality to be swallowed by another, I kept choosing to move toward myself".

Like ugh. the "transition" is hard. and I'm definitely glad I read this for another perspective on a journey that I too, am taking the time to figure out, and as I'm making the steps to move more towards authenticity and alignment. 10/10.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am an incest survivor with DID who is HORRIFIED by Akwake Emezi’s success. Much of their writing glamorizes using their trauma to excuse regressed and entitled behaviours.

There is a trend in American publishing where rich BIPOC are gaining a lot of success, money and fame because of their identities, while the actual integrity of their work is sorely lacking.

For me, Akwake Emezi needs to write a serious public apology for their book Freshwater, needs to donate all their money to low income incest survivors, and retire from public life if they want to do anything good for the incest survivor and DID communities.

[Morgane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a "book" just a beautiful short article. Interesting thoughts about transitioning, surgery & scars, and Igbo spirituality.