These Letters End in Tears

by Musih Tedji Xaviere

English 200 pages 1 edition

‘A smart, finely detailed book that contends with not only sexuality, homophobia, and traditional gender roles, but also the legacy of colonialism in West Africa…Xaviere’s vivid and moving first novel is a resounding success.’— Kirkus Reviews While chasing a rogue football, Fatima crosses paths with Bessem and the instant attraction between the two propels them into a life-changing romance. Despite an atmosphere of threat due to the criminalisation of same-sex relationships in their home country of Cameroon, Fatima and Bessem persevere in living out their love. All seems to be going well, until one day tragedy strikes, and Fatima disappears… Thirteen years later, Bessem is now a university professor, keeping her sexuality secret but bonding with her equally-closeted friend Jamal and the queer community around her. But Fatima still haunts her. A chance encounter with people from her past pushes Bessem to finally go after the truth of her lover’s whereabouts. Told mostly through unsent letters, These Letters End in Tears powerfully charts all the different ways that love, despite all odds, can persevere.