These Letters End in Tears

A Novel

De: Musih Tedji Xaviere

Narrado por: Nene Nwoko

Bessem notices Fatima for the first time on the soccer field-muscular and focused, she's the only woman playing and seems completely at ease. When Fatima chases a rogue ball in her direction, Bessem freezes, mesmerized by the athlete's charm and beauty. One playful wink from Fatima, and Bessem knows her life will never be the same.

In Cameroon, a country where same-sex relationships are punishable by law, the odds are stacked against Bessem and Fatima from the start. And when Fatima's older brother, a staunch Muslim, finds out about their affair, he intervenes by physically assaulting them, an incident that precedes a police raid at the only gay bar in town. After spending days in jail, Fatima goes missing without a trace, and Bessem is left with only rumors of her whereabouts. Has Fatima been sentenced to an unknown prison? Has she been banished from her community, or married off, as some have suggested? Or something even more sinister?

Thirteen years later, Bessem is now a university professor leading a relatively quiet life, occasionally and secretly dating other women. However, she has never forgotten Fatima. After spotting a mutual friend for the first time in years-the last person who may have seen Fatima-Bessem embarks on a winding search for her lost love.

©2024 Musih Tedji Xaviere (P)2024 Tantor

Great Addition to the Book Club

As a Cameroonian the most i knew about the LGBTQ in Cameroon is that its banned by law. I never got the chance to experience anyone's story other than from the news . This gave me a front row seat to the terrible things that happen to gay and lesbian population of Cameroon. I was able to explore some of Bamenda through this book. thanks for this deep perspective . can't wait to explore more of your writing

Didn’t enjoy it

This audiobook was boring. The characters are not likable, and the story was so slow. However, I do like the premise of this book.