Pet Duology Reading Order
| Title | Published | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Pet | 2019 | Buy |
| Bitter | 2022 | Buy |
Akwaeke Emezi writes fiction that pushes at the boundaries of what stories can contain, blending literary fiction with speculative elements to create work that feels both utterly current and timeless. Their Nigerian Igbo heritage illuminates their storytelling, while their exploration of identity—particularly trans and nonbinary experience—brings crucial perspectives to contemporary literature.
The Pet books began as a young adult novel that refuses to talk down to its audience. Pet introduces a world where monsters are real but not quite what we expect, and follows a young person who must confront the truth about whether monsters can actually change. The companion novel, Bitter, expands this universe, showing another perspective on a world where justice and reality intersect in complicated ways. These books ask difficult questions about redemption, accountability, and how we see those who have done harm.
Their literary fiction for adults has made an equal impact. These novels dive deep into family, faith, and the sometimes brutal process of becoming oneself. The prose is precise and poetic, carrying readers into interior worlds that feel completely realized. Whether exploring spiritual traditions, the complexities of queer relationships, or the weight of family expectations, the writing never loses sight of the human beings at the center.
Emezi’s work has garnered attention from major literary prizes and established them as one of the most important voices of their generation. Their ability to handle difficult material with both courage and compassion makes their books essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary literature that takes risks.