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ambershelf 's review for:
These Letters End in Tears
by Musih Tedji Xaviere
finished copy gifted by the publisher
Set in Cameroon, a country where same-sex relationships are punishable by law, the odds are stacked against Bessem and Fatima from the start. All hell breaks loose when Fati's brother discovers their affair. 13 years later, Bessem finally embarks on a journey to find her lost love.
With lyrical prose, Xaviere explores the gut-wrenching climate when being gay is illegal while rampant violence and bribery aren't. TEARS is written from Bessem's POV to Fati in letters, and the 2nd person could create a bit of distance. But it works well in this context due to the heavy topic.
TEARS is an extremely realistic yet heartbreaking read. I finished the book feeling hopeless, aching for all the queer people forced into hiding, and raging that we can't let love be. For fans of THE DEATH OF VIVEK OJI (Akwaeke Emezi), don't miss this powerful debut that will make you sob.
Set in Cameroon, a country where same-sex relationships are punishable by law, the odds are stacked against Bessem and Fatima from the start. All hell breaks loose when Fati's brother discovers their affair. 13 years later, Bessem finally embarks on a journey to find her lost love.
With lyrical prose, Xaviere explores the gut-wrenching climate when being gay is illegal while rampant violence and bribery aren't. TEARS is written from Bessem's POV to Fati in letters, and the 2nd person could create a bit of distance. But it works well in this context due to the heavy topic.
TEARS is an extremely realistic yet heartbreaking read. I finished the book feeling hopeless, aching for all the queer people forced into hiding, and raging that we can't let love be. For fans of THE DEATH OF VIVEK OJI (Akwaeke Emezi), don't miss this powerful debut that will make you sob.