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Tearless: A Novel
TEARLESS is a deeply compelling portrait of twenty-four-year-old Lami’s self-discovery and emotional coming-of-age. It is also a passionate and unflinching tale of interracial love.
It weaves together two narrative threads that tend to themes of love, loss, fatherlessness and identity with grace and confidence.
TEARLESS follows the journey of Lami Davies who struggles to reunite her separated siblings and rise above her trauma.
Lami is obsessed with finding her little sister whom she lost touch with at the age of twelve after her mother's passing. Her abusive father, in a heart-wrenching act, separated the children, placing them in the care of different relatives. The youngest, Tutu, was sent to live with a distant aunt in England. In her quest to reunite her family, we see how Lami's childhood experiences influence her interactions as an adult. Her story will offer hope to all readers who are battling to let go of past trauma in order to prevent it from spilling into the present and the future.
Ayo Deforge does an exceptional job in exploring thetheme of grief, offering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of its ability to fracture a family. Tearless evokes a profound yearning to repair shattered connections, leaving readers deeply moved.
Othuke Ominiabohs, author of A Conspiracy of Ravens.
Ayo Deforge takes the reader on an emotionally-charged journey in Tearless. The story does not only drag you in and hold you captive until the last full-stop, but it also asks questions of your feelings, your compassion, your humanity, such that long after you’re done reading, you’re still carrying the main character in your heart and wondering about her.
Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, winner of the Quramo Writer’s Prize 2022.
Tearless is graceful, colourful and memorable. It effortlessly brings to life Lami's her fear, laughter, joy and love. In Tearless, characters sneak up on you, so by the time you're done reading, it's more than just a book or characters. It becomes personal and you begin to think about the people you met in the book.
Deborah Oluniran Adeniyi, writer and editor.
The characters in Ayo Deforge’s rich episodic novel bring to life a melting pot of metropolitan cultures as their story travels between Lagos and Paris, past and present, young and old, traditional and trendy. The author’s fresh and lively take on the human condition invites us to plunge into a world that will be new to many, yet, Tearless transcends its unique mise en scene to remind us of the universal joys of friendship, the importance of family and the redemptive power of love.
Geoff Mead, author of Coming Home to Storytelling Beyond Happily Ever After.
With Tearless, Ayo proves she has a full grasp of human experiences. She weaves this story with beautiful and smooth language.
Chukwuemeka Famous, author of We Will Live Again.
In Tearless, Ayo Deforge reveals the sad truth of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2022 data on child abuse.
Through Lami Davis' compelling story, the author reveals these startling "Nearly 3 in 4 children - or 300 million children - aged 2–4 years regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers".
Lami bravely shares her traumatic experience with her abusive father and explores the profound impact it had on her life and the lives of her siblings.
It weaves together two narrative threads that tend to themes of love, loss, fatherlessness and identity with grace and confidence.
TEARLESS follows the journey of Lami Davies who struggles to reunite her separated siblings and rise above her trauma.
Lami is obsessed with finding her little sister whom she lost touch with at the age of twelve after her mother's passing. Her abusive father, in a heart-wrenching act, separated the children, placing them in the care of different relatives. The youngest, Tutu, was sent to live with a distant aunt in England. In her quest to reunite her family, we see how Lami's childhood experiences influence her interactions as an adult. Her story will offer hope to all readers who are battling to let go of past trauma in order to prevent it from spilling into the present and the future.
Ayo Deforge does an exceptional job in exploring thetheme of grief, offering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of its ability to fracture a family. Tearless evokes a profound yearning to repair shattered connections, leaving readers deeply moved.
Othuke Ominiabohs, author of A Conspiracy of Ravens.
Ayo Deforge takes the reader on an emotionally-charged journey in Tearless. The story does not only drag you in and hold you captive until the last full-stop, but it also asks questions of your feelings, your compassion, your humanity, such that long after you’re done reading, you’re still carrying the main character in your heart and wondering about her.
Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, winner of the Quramo Writer’s Prize 2022.
Tearless is graceful, colourful and memorable. It effortlessly brings to life Lami's her fear, laughter, joy and love. In Tearless, characters sneak up on you, so by the time you're done reading, it's more than just a book or characters. It becomes personal and you begin to think about the people you met in the book.
Deborah Oluniran Adeniyi, writer and editor.
The characters in Ayo Deforge’s rich episodic novel bring to life a melting pot of metropolitan cultures as their story travels between Lagos and Paris, past and present, young and old, traditional and trendy. The author’s fresh and lively take on the human condition invites us to plunge into a world that will be new to many, yet, Tearless transcends its unique mise en scene to remind us of the universal joys of friendship, the importance of family and the redemptive power of love.
Geoff Mead, author of Coming Home to Storytelling Beyond Happily Ever After.
With Tearless, Ayo proves she has a full grasp of human experiences. She weaves this story with beautiful and smooth language.
Chukwuemeka Famous, author of We Will Live Again.
In Tearless, Ayo Deforge reveals the sad truth of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2022 data on child abuse.
Through Lami Davis' compelling story, the author reveals these startling "Nearly 3 in 4 children - or 300 million children - aged 2–4 years regularly suffer physical punishment and/or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers".
Lami bravely shares her traumatic experience with her abusive father and explores the profound impact it had on her life and the lives of her siblings.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2023
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 12, 2024
3.75/5 ⭐️
Tearless follows the life of Lami who sets out to reconnect with her sisters years after being separated and abandoned by their father, while battling her childhood traumas.
The book started a bit slow for me but once I got past the first few chapters I was hooked. I loved the way the story transitioned between the past and present and how relevant each flashback was at that moment. I also loved the vivid picture the author painted. She described the scenes so well that I could picture each scene unfolding even though I hadn’t been to any of the places she mentioned. Another thing I enjoyed was how the author showed how Lara and Lami had different approaches to finding their youngest sister based on their different experiences with their father.
I felt Nico was too perfect and the romance angle seemed a bit… unrealistic to me given Lami’s traumas and phobia. Also, Nico seemingly had no flaws and his dedication and level of interest in someone he barely knew from the beginning seemed a bit out of place to me. Regardless, it was nice to see Lami get some cute scenes.
I’m grateful for the author for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
Tearless follows the life of Lami who sets out to reconnect with her sisters years after being separated and abandoned by their father, while battling her childhood traumas.
The book started a bit slow for me but once I got past the first few chapters I was hooked. I loved the way the story transitioned between the past and present and how relevant each flashback was at that moment. I also loved the vivid picture the author painted. She described the scenes so well that I could picture each scene unfolding even though I hadn’t been to any of the places she mentioned. Another thing I enjoyed was how the author showed how Lara and Lami had different approaches to finding their youngest sister based on their different experiences with their father.
I felt Nico was too perfect and the romance angle seemed a bit… unrealistic to me given Lami’s traumas and phobia. Also, Nico seemingly had no flaws and his dedication and level of interest in someone he barely knew from the beginning seemed a bit out of place to me. Regardless, it was nice to see Lami get some cute scenes.
I’m grateful for the author for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
December 31, 2023
A big thank you to the author for an ARC digital copy of her book for an honest review.
Tearless follows the story of Olamide Davies who grew up under an abusive father and lost her mum at a very young age, while at the same time getting separated from her siblings.
Tearless is a story of separation, family, friendship, abuse, love and the desires of the heart. A story seeped in drama, loss and intimacy.
I love the fluidity of the story. The words are easy to read and the alternating dual timeline of the story between the past and the present never leaves the reader without direction.
The book ends in a way that leaves you in a state of conscious incompleteness. It would be nice to know how Lami's father turned out. I feel he needed healing too.
I love the French inclusion in the book and the author's description of Paris through the eyes of Lami almost makes you feel you are in that time and space. Nico and Lami's romance felt like a story out of a fairytale. They were also a bit boring though.
I lenjoyed reading the 'Tearless' book and recommend.
Tearless follows the story of Olamide Davies who grew up under an abusive father and lost her mum at a very young age, while at the same time getting separated from her siblings.
Tearless is a story of separation, family, friendship, abuse, love and the desires of the heart. A story seeped in drama, loss and intimacy.
I love the fluidity of the story. The words are easy to read and the alternating dual timeline of the story between the past and the present never leaves the reader without direction.
The book ends in a way that leaves you in a state of conscious incompleteness. It would be nice to know how Lami's father turned out. I feel he needed healing too.
I love the French inclusion in the book and the author's description of Paris through the eyes of Lami almost makes you feel you are in that time and space. Nico and Lami's romance felt like a story out of a fairytale. They were also a bit boring though.
I lenjoyed reading the 'Tearless' book and recommend.
November 26, 2023
"I'd learned a long time ago that no matter the number of strokes I received and the length of time I spent in purgatory I would never be able to pay my debt, Papa would never love me. I was the black sheep and the tearless girl"
Tearless tells a story about a girl called Olamide Davies aka Lami, and her sad experience growing up with her family, as a child, she was unfortunate to have a Father who would do anything to bring tears to her eyes, her father was someone I despised and resented I wished he loved his children and wife better, I wished he never separated his children from each other and made them strangers to themselves, I wished lami was free to be herself around him and not walked on eggshells whenever he was around.
I felt emotional reading Tearless, even when Lami's mom died and all the emotional baggage Lami had to carry I was pissed off. I also felt Lami doesn't let sleeping dogs lie, she seems to be adding more emotional trauma to the one she was already carrying
I felt Nico was God sent to Lami, it's not every day you get to meet someone ready to stick to you through thick and thin, so I was happy when he stood by her.
I was happy Lami found peace, and at last, I was glad she found her little sis "Tutu" Although I wanted Lami's father to apologize for what he did to his family, an apology never came.
While reading Tearless, I was inquisitive, I wanted to know what inspired the author because Tearless was beautifully written, it's not every day you get to see books like this, that connect to you.
I recommend tearless to Everyone out there.
Tearless tells a story about a girl called Olamide Davies aka Lami, and her sad experience growing up with her family, as a child, she was unfortunate to have a Father who would do anything to bring tears to her eyes, her father was someone I despised and resented I wished he loved his children and wife better, I wished he never separated his children from each other and made them strangers to themselves, I wished lami was free to be herself around him and not walked on eggshells whenever he was around.
I felt emotional reading Tearless, even when Lami's mom died and all the emotional baggage Lami had to carry I was pissed off. I also felt Lami doesn't let sleeping dogs lie, she seems to be adding more emotional trauma to the one she was already carrying
I felt Nico was God sent to Lami, it's not every day you get to meet someone ready to stick to you through thick and thin, so I was happy when he stood by her.
I was happy Lami found peace, and at last, I was glad she found her little sis "Tutu" Although I wanted Lami's father to apologize for what he did to his family, an apology never came.
While reading Tearless, I was inquisitive, I wanted to know what inspired the author because Tearless was beautifully written, it's not every day you get to see books like this, that connect to you.
I recommend tearless to Everyone out there.
November 30, 2023
Every now and then we come across a book that make us cancel all our plans and loose ourselves completely within its pages and never wanting to leave. Tearless is such a book for me this month. Powerful, intriguing, inspiring, gorgeously written, with a main character that worth going to war for.
Olamide Devies has it rough growing up. A broken family, abusive father, a devastating loss and her inability to shed tears no matter the circumstances.
Ayo Deforge, in her magical way of storytelling, carries her readers on a step by step journey through this beautifully crafted novel of hope, love, resilience and finding one's way in life.
Her choice of words, her description that painted a true image at the back of my head, and the writing style that inspired between the past and present days was utterly stunning.
Tearless is a story that will obsessed you, possessed you and stay with you long after finishing it. I love Lami and Nico's friendship. How they take it one step at a time, how Nico stood up for her in everything and all that they have. I can't wait to ride with this author into her successful career as Tearless, is truly a promising one.
Olamide Devies has it rough growing up. A broken family, abusive father, a devastating loss and her inability to shed tears no matter the circumstances.
Ayo Deforge, in her magical way of storytelling, carries her readers on a step by step journey through this beautifully crafted novel of hope, love, resilience and finding one's way in life.
Her choice of words, her description that painted a true image at the back of my head, and the writing style that inspired between the past and present days was utterly stunning.
Tearless is a story that will obsessed you, possessed you and stay with you long after finishing it. I love Lami and Nico's friendship. How they take it one step at a time, how Nico stood up for her in everything and all that they have. I can't wait to ride with this author into her successful career as Tearless, is truly a promising one.
January 8, 2024
Thanks to @ayodeforge for sending me her debut novel for a honest review. 🥰
This story is about a sweet soul, Olamide, she has never shed a tear in her life and apparently that makes her a witch 🤦🏻♀️.
In this book we see how her “Tearlessness” affected her life, and how she navigated rejection, we see her fears and traumas from her childhood, we see her dreams and hopes.
"𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂,... 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓰𝓸. 𝓘𝓽'𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵"
"𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮, 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮. 𝓕𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓽."
🄼🅈 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂:
I absolutely love the French and Yoruba languages infused in the story, (I need to take my French classes seriously 😩)
With the way the author described the places in Paris, I definitely want to go there.
I kept wishing Mr Davies would die an horrible death because…, that man is psychotic.
I didn’t like the way her siblings didn’t seem to care, she was virtually trying so hard.
Nico is definitely an angel 🥹.
The end was nice but I wished Lami was stronger, I kept wondering, if things didn’t turn out that way, would she have changed?
This story is about a sweet soul, Olamide, she has never shed a tear in her life and apparently that makes her a witch 🤦🏻♀️.
In this book we see how her “Tearlessness” affected her life, and how she navigated rejection, we see her fears and traumas from her childhood, we see her dreams and hopes.
"𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝔂,... 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓰𝓸. 𝓘𝓽'𝓵𝓵 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵"
"𝓘𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮, 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼. 𝓘𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮. 𝓕𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓽."
🄼🅈 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂:
I absolutely love the French and Yoruba languages infused in the story, (I need to take my French classes seriously 😩)
With the way the author described the places in Paris, I definitely want to go there.
I kept wishing Mr Davies would die an horrible death because…, that man is psychotic.
I didn’t like the way her siblings didn’t seem to care, she was virtually trying so hard.
Nico is definitely an angel 🥹.
The end was nice but I wished Lami was stronger, I kept wondering, if things didn’t turn out that way, would she have changed?
December 6, 2023
thanks to the author @ayodeforge @ayodeforgewrites for allowing me review her debut novel. ☺️☺️
“𝓣𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸𝓸 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱. 𝓟𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵. 𝓞𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓮𝓯𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓰𝓮𝓽, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.”
𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: i totally enjoyed reading this book. i loved how this book was very relatable in every sense of it. i loved how Lami was desperately trying to unite her siblings. (side note: whilst i was growing up, my folks taught us that the person who is your first friend and the person who you have the strongest bond with is your sibling - which is why i have strong bonds with my siblings). i loved the friendship between Ada and Lami, it was so pleasing. i also loved that the narrative was beautifully sequenced, this made the story telling very interesting and compelling.
the only issue i had was the name-dropping (of areas & places), this wouldn’t normally bother me, and I think it can had texture to these places through relatable interests, but I just notice it was quite too much and it kind of distracted me. but overall, i enjoyed this book and i totally recommend.🥳💯
“𝓣𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 𝓹𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸𝓸 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱. 𝓟𝓮𝓸𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵. 𝓞𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓮𝓯𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓰𝓮𝓽, 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓶𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴.”
𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: i totally enjoyed reading this book. i loved how this book was very relatable in every sense of it. i loved how Lami was desperately trying to unite her siblings. (side note: whilst i was growing up, my folks taught us that the person who is your first friend and the person who you have the strongest bond with is your sibling - which is why i have strong bonds with my siblings). i loved the friendship between Ada and Lami, it was so pleasing. i also loved that the narrative was beautifully sequenced, this made the story telling very interesting and compelling.
the only issue i had was the name-dropping (of areas & places), this wouldn’t normally bother me, and I think it can had texture to these places through relatable interests, but I just notice it was quite too much and it kind of distracted me. but overall, i enjoyed this book and i totally recommend.🥳💯
December 6, 2023
Name: Tearless
Author: Ayo Deforge
Genre: Coming of age
Format: Ebook (available on Amazon)
Length: 290 pages
My rating: 3.8/5 ⭐
Trigger warning: violence, physical and mental abuse, anxiety, fear, trauma, loss of loved one
Excerpt: Around the death anniversary of her mother, twenty-four year old Lami finds herself battling the resurgence of her childhood traumas, as well as stumbling upon a possibility of reconnecting with her long lost baby sister Tutu.
In her quest to reunite her family, we see how Lami's childhood experiences influence her interactions as an adult.
I've known Ayo through a book club. We've discussed music, literature and the art of fiction writing. So when she asked me if I could review her soon to be released novel, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful. I didn't ask her what the novel was about, I dived right in, waiting to be surprised. And I was not at all disappointed. This book hooked me from the get go.
Written in first person narrative, it almost feels like I'm reading the diary entries of Lami, the protagonist. I see, hear and feel the world through her senses, and boy is it intense!
The narration makes you feel the summer afternoons, the seaside breeze, alongside the heat and confusion of the trauma.
The story is set in Nigeria and the timeline stretches from 1980s to early 2000s. Africa and Asia has always had a synergy in their culture and society. This comes through in this novel as well. The abuse though intense and extremely disturbing, is believable. I've heard these stories, known such people. And that for me was the most heartbreaking realisation while reading this novel. That this piece of fiction is a lived in reality for many!
That being said, the love angle seems forced and rushed in. Considering Lami's traumas and heartbreak, it is surprising that she lets people into her life without much resistance. Similarly, the conclusion of her quest seems like a Christmas miracle. I guess it was intentional, but considering the length of the novel, at least some sort of resistance from Tutu's side would have added depth to the story. I also felt that, while the trauma and the quest had the same root, they didn't sync well, especially towards the end.
When I picked up the book, I read its name as Fearless, instead of Tearless. It can be an intentional play of words because to me, Lami is both Fearless and Tearless. I'd reinstate that this book succeeded in making the readers really feel the world it is set in. It is this book's biggest strength and perhaps the strongest reason why I'll look forward to and read all the books Ayo Deforge ends up publishing. If you can get past the trigger warnings, do consider picking up this gem.
Author: Ayo Deforge
Genre: Coming of age
Format: Ebook (available on Amazon)
Length: 290 pages
My rating: 3.8/5 ⭐
Trigger warning: violence, physical and mental abuse, anxiety, fear, trauma, loss of loved one
Excerpt: Around the death anniversary of her mother, twenty-four year old Lami finds herself battling the resurgence of her childhood traumas, as well as stumbling upon a possibility of reconnecting with her long lost baby sister Tutu.
In her quest to reunite her family, we see how Lami's childhood experiences influence her interactions as an adult.
I've known Ayo through a book club. We've discussed music, literature and the art of fiction writing. So when she asked me if I could review her soon to be released novel, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful. I didn't ask her what the novel was about, I dived right in, waiting to be surprised. And I was not at all disappointed. This book hooked me from the get go.
Written in first person narrative, it almost feels like I'm reading the diary entries of Lami, the protagonist. I see, hear and feel the world through her senses, and boy is it intense!
The narration makes you feel the summer afternoons, the seaside breeze, alongside the heat and confusion of the trauma.
The story is set in Nigeria and the timeline stretches from 1980s to early 2000s. Africa and Asia has always had a synergy in their culture and society. This comes through in this novel as well. The abuse though intense and extremely disturbing, is believable. I've heard these stories, known such people. And that for me was the most heartbreaking realisation while reading this novel. That this piece of fiction is a lived in reality for many!
That being said, the love angle seems forced and rushed in. Considering Lami's traumas and heartbreak, it is surprising that she lets people into her life without much resistance. Similarly, the conclusion of her quest seems like a Christmas miracle. I guess it was intentional, but considering the length of the novel, at least some sort of resistance from Tutu's side would have added depth to the story. I also felt that, while the trauma and the quest had the same root, they didn't sync well, especially towards the end.
When I picked up the book, I read its name as Fearless, instead of Tearless. It can be an intentional play of words because to me, Lami is both Fearless and Tearless. I'd reinstate that this book succeeded in making the readers really feel the world it is set in. It is this book's biggest strength and perhaps the strongest reason why I'll look forward to and read all the books Ayo Deforge ends up publishing. If you can get past the trigger warnings, do consider picking up this gem.
November 25, 2023
I have to admit, that when @ayodeforge first approached me to read and review her debut novel I was slightly apprehensive upon hearing that I was a coming of age novel. I hold my heart on my sleeve (literally have a heart tattoo on my wrist) and these kind of novels are typically hard on me. But, boy was that apprehension put to rest as soon as I read the first few pages. Her writing is so beautiful, descriptive, and palpable that I felt like I was there every step of the way. I was ready to endure whatever was coming towards me weither it be a laugh, a cry, or any number of emotions just to consume more of her storytelling!
All I can really say is this book is a must read, if you want to feel all the feels! It’s scary and shocking, grief filled but also hopeful, shows the reality of family and familial bonds (the good and the ugly)…and in the end it was really thought provoking and way deeper than the average coming of age novel I’ve read in a while!!!
If I would have picked this book up at any indie bookstore and I didnt already know this book was a debut novel, I would have honestly have thought this was the work of a multi-million copy selling author HANDS DOWN!!!
Can’t wait to see how this author progresses/what she writes in the future! All I know is I want to be front seat in that journey❤️
4.25⭐️
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy as well as trusting me to critique her novel baby💕
All I can really say is this book is a must read, if you want to feel all the feels! It’s scary and shocking, grief filled but also hopeful, shows the reality of family and familial bonds (the good and the ugly)…and in the end it was really thought provoking and way deeper than the average coming of age novel I’ve read in a while!!!
If I would have picked this book up at any indie bookstore and I didnt already know this book was a debut novel, I would have honestly have thought this was the work of a multi-million copy selling author HANDS DOWN!!!
Can’t wait to see how this author progresses/what she writes in the future! All I know is I want to be front seat in that journey❤️
4.25⭐️
Thanks so much to the author for the review copy as well as trusting me to critique her novel baby💕
November 27, 2023
Ms. Ayo gave me the opportunity to read TEARLESS before its official release date (December 1, 2023). She didn’t disappoint!
There were gut wrenching events happening throughout the story, but the best part of it all was when she reunited with her baby sister after being separated following the death of her mother. There were some relatable topics there too that I’m sure we may have gone through or know someone who has. The feeling of being used to ultimately becoming abandoned once they got what they wanted out of the relationship is one. Another is the abuse, hurt & betrayal casted onto a child from their own parent. Lami’s father was just plain evil & treated her the worst out of her siblings because “When I cried, tears didn’t roll down my face”.
Lami also finds love 🥹 Nicolas was such a gentleman and loved and protected her, even when she didn’t understand why. He was amazing towards her. What a man, what a man!! 😍
Overall, Tearless really had your girl feeling super emotional. I’d definitely recommend this read! Get yours December 1st!!
I look forward to more novels from Ms. Ayo!
There were gut wrenching events happening throughout the story, but the best part of it all was when she reunited with her baby sister after being separated following the death of her mother. There were some relatable topics there too that I’m sure we may have gone through or know someone who has. The feeling of being used to ultimately becoming abandoned once they got what they wanted out of the relationship is one. Another is the abuse, hurt & betrayal casted onto a child from their own parent. Lami’s father was just plain evil & treated her the worst out of her siblings because “When I cried, tears didn’t roll down my face”.
Lami also finds love 🥹 Nicolas was such a gentleman and loved and protected her, even when she didn’t understand why. He was amazing towards her. What a man, what a man!! 😍
Overall, Tearless really had your girl feeling super emotional. I’d definitely recommend this read! Get yours December 1st!!
I look forward to more novels from Ms. Ayo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
REVIEW
Thanks to the author for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book was very very good and relatable to me. I could completely understand the situations of Lami and her family because it's something that happens often in Nigeria. Most family members never try to help the woman escape the abusive relationship, they just go around begging the husband to take the wife back. A never ending cycle. The separated children also. When a spouse dies or gets divorced, the kids are often dispersed to other family members especially if they are unable to take of care them. Although, not everyone is as wicked as the FMC's guardian.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book also talked about the trauma most Nigerian kids face, but they are not aware of. In Nigeria, it's normal to discipline your child by beating them. Some parents are more ardent than others. Like me, my parents do beat me but only when I've passed my boundary, once in a while. Whenever I hear some of my friend's tales, I'm thankful for my parents. Like the excessive beatings Lami, her siblings and her mother faced, that's definitely abnormal and criminal.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
My heart broke for the trauma Lami faced and her struggles. She had a lot of baggage and I felt everything alongside her. I'm happy that she had the intention to seek a therapist at the end of the book. She was in need of it. I'm happy that she got reunited with one of her sisters. Her departure hurt me most. However, I didn't like that she didn't physically meet her father at all. I hated that he didn't get the punishment he desrved. I wanted him to grow up horribly and I didn't see him at all. I'm happy that her reconciliation with her siblings were realistic although I'd gave preferred it as a fantasy.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
For Lami's mother. I has mixed feelings about her. She was a victim and it couldn't have been easy to leave a violent marriage in Nigeria at 1997, it's not even easy now! But, there were some things she did that she should not have done. She should have stopped given birth. That would at least save the kids from trauma. As a parent, it's your job to protect your kids especially if the perpetrator is the other parent
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
I loved that Lami had Nico, someone she deserved after all she went through. Nico was a rock throughout. I'd have preferred her name, Olamide to be shorten to Olami instead of Lami, it sounded weird
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book was very good and I'm glad I read it. It's a book I'd love to see being chosen for UTME exams. You should definitely try it
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
Thanks to the author for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book was very very good and relatable to me. I could completely understand the situations of Lami and her family because it's something that happens often in Nigeria. Most family members never try to help the woman escape the abusive relationship, they just go around begging the husband to take the wife back. A never ending cycle. The separated children also. When a spouse dies or gets divorced, the kids are often dispersed to other family members especially if they are unable to take of care them. Although, not everyone is as wicked as the FMC's guardian.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book also talked about the trauma most Nigerian kids face, but they are not aware of. In Nigeria, it's normal to discipline your child by beating them. Some parents are more ardent than others. Like me, my parents do beat me but only when I've passed my boundary, once in a while. Whenever I hear some of my friend's tales, I'm thankful for my parents. Like the excessive beatings Lami, her siblings and her mother faced, that's definitely abnormal and criminal.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
My heart broke for the trauma Lami faced and her struggles. She had a lot of baggage and I felt everything alongside her. I'm happy that she had the intention to seek a therapist at the end of the book. She was in need of it. I'm happy that she got reunited with one of her sisters. Her departure hurt me most. However, I didn't like that she didn't physically meet her father at all. I hated that he didn't get the punishment he desrved. I wanted him to grow up horribly and I didn't see him at all. I'm happy that her reconciliation with her siblings were realistic although I'd gave preferred it as a fantasy.
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
For Lami's mother. I has mixed feelings about her. She was a victim and it couldn't have been easy to leave a violent marriage in Nigeria at 1997, it's not even easy now! But, there were some things she did that she should not have done. She should have stopped given birth. That would at least save the kids from trauma. As a parent, it's your job to protect your kids especially if the perpetrator is the other parent
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
I loved that Lami had Nico, someone she deserved after all she went through. Nico was a rock throughout. I'd have preferred her name, Olamide to be shorten to Olami instead of Lami, it sounded weird
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
This book was very good and I'm glad I read it. It's a book I'd love to see being chosen for UTME exams. You should definitely try it
👩🏾🤝👩🏽👩🏾🤝👩🏽
December 17, 2023
Ayo Deforge’s Tearless is a coming-of-age novel that beautifully tells the story of Lamide.
Lamide Davies, the narrator in the story, takes us through her childhood experiences and her hope of reuniting with her little sister Tutu, whom she believed their father used as a weapon against her.
In this beautiful novel, Lamide leads us through the labyrinth of her formative years and its effect on her present life. She alternates between past and present events, recounting her story of pain, fears, disappointments, and struggles in a convivial way. Readers are drawn into the story and vested with the power to be both spectators and participants at the same time.
Through her writing prowess, Deforge unravels every layer of Lamide’s life telling us about the sweet and sad tales of her mum, siblings, friend, and lover. She leaves no stone unturned and one can literally feel every emotion Lamide goes through in the novel.
Lamide’s childhood traumatic experience is palpable and one can feel the weight of the resounding slap she receives from her dad when she vocalizes her thoughts, and her discomfort each time she receives more lashes for being tearless or sentenced to the darkroom to further purge her of her singular weakness.
Deforge creatively sustains and maintains the suspense in the plot such that one is eager to delve into the next event in the story. Alternating between the past and present, the story gives a vivid representation of events that culminate in the character of Lamide. The story gives a balanced picture of hope and grief, life and death, disappointment and happiness, hurt and healing, separation and reunion, love and solitude, and everything in between.
Tearless sheds light on the effect of nature and nurture on Lamide and by extension every human. Through the lens of Lamide, we see how nature and nurture play a significant role in the life of an individual. From the story, one can easily deduce the importance of seeking closure, as it relays the consequences of empowering the past over the present and the impending damage it can cause to the future if not properly dealt with. Through the story, one will inarguably admit that the past has a way of tainting the present and stalling the future if left to chance.
The novel explores the themes of family, loss, fatherlessness, growth, interracial love, and most importantly the theme of BECOMING.
The story points us to the importance of family but also explores a broader theme of solitude and loneliness amid family. While Lamide tries to bring her siblings together her siblings, especially the older ones, rebuff her hand of friendship and would rather bury the past and continue in solitude.
One of the beautiful things about the novel is the consistency in Lamide’s growth. Her growth, even though it happens at a slow pace, is liberating and empowering. Having to deal with patches of her past that give her panic attacks in the dark and terrible nightmares, Lamide finally gives herself the liberty to heal and move ahead.
There is a flawless rhythm in the sequence of events and a seamless flow in the use of language. Deforge writing prowess tugs at the heart of readers and takes one through a crescendo of emotions and finally a purgation of such feelings.
Set in Lagos and France, the story transcends location, culture, and race beautifully.
The story ends on a beautiful note. The protagonist, Olamide allows herself to accept and bask in the love of Nico while also reuniting with her long-lost sister. In the end, Lamide embraces her uniqueness and sets herself free from the claws of the past while also restoring that part of her life that was yanked off prematurely.
Tearless will hold every reader spellbound. The story is intriguing and captivating in a therapeutic way.
Lamide Davies, the narrator in the story, takes us through her childhood experiences and her hope of reuniting with her little sister Tutu, whom she believed their father used as a weapon against her.
In this beautiful novel, Lamide leads us through the labyrinth of her formative years and its effect on her present life. She alternates between past and present events, recounting her story of pain, fears, disappointments, and struggles in a convivial way. Readers are drawn into the story and vested with the power to be both spectators and participants at the same time.
Through her writing prowess, Deforge unravels every layer of Lamide’s life telling us about the sweet and sad tales of her mum, siblings, friend, and lover. She leaves no stone unturned and one can literally feel every emotion Lamide goes through in the novel.
Lamide’s childhood traumatic experience is palpable and one can feel the weight of the resounding slap she receives from her dad when she vocalizes her thoughts, and her discomfort each time she receives more lashes for being tearless or sentenced to the darkroom to further purge her of her singular weakness.
Deforge creatively sustains and maintains the suspense in the plot such that one is eager to delve into the next event in the story. Alternating between the past and present, the story gives a vivid representation of events that culminate in the character of Lamide. The story gives a balanced picture of hope and grief, life and death, disappointment and happiness, hurt and healing, separation and reunion, love and solitude, and everything in between.
Tearless sheds light on the effect of nature and nurture on Lamide and by extension every human. Through the lens of Lamide, we see how nature and nurture play a significant role in the life of an individual. From the story, one can easily deduce the importance of seeking closure, as it relays the consequences of empowering the past over the present and the impending damage it can cause to the future if not properly dealt with. Through the story, one will inarguably admit that the past has a way of tainting the present and stalling the future if left to chance.
The novel explores the themes of family, loss, fatherlessness, growth, interracial love, and most importantly the theme of BECOMING.
The story points us to the importance of family but also explores a broader theme of solitude and loneliness amid family. While Lamide tries to bring her siblings together her siblings, especially the older ones, rebuff her hand of friendship and would rather bury the past and continue in solitude.
One of the beautiful things about the novel is the consistency in Lamide’s growth. Her growth, even though it happens at a slow pace, is liberating and empowering. Having to deal with patches of her past that give her panic attacks in the dark and terrible nightmares, Lamide finally gives herself the liberty to heal and move ahead.
There is a flawless rhythm in the sequence of events and a seamless flow in the use of language. Deforge writing prowess tugs at the heart of readers and takes one through a crescendo of emotions and finally a purgation of such feelings.
Set in Lagos and France, the story transcends location, culture, and race beautifully.
The story ends on a beautiful note. The protagonist, Olamide allows herself to accept and bask in the love of Nico while also reuniting with her long-lost sister. In the end, Lamide embraces her uniqueness and sets herself free from the claws of the past while also restoring that part of her life that was yanked off prematurely.
Tearless will hold every reader spellbound. The story is intriguing and captivating in a therapeutic way.
December 31, 2023
The story follows Lami, a lady who was separated from her siblings at a young age after losing her mother, she continues to struggle with grief and uncaring father, she is older now and seeks reunification with her siblings, while faced with prospects of bi-racial romance which is foreign to her.
The first thing that strikes you about this book is that it is so clearly written and easy to read. The pace and storytelling was really good. Major themes were family, grief, love abandonment and redemption.
One area I felt the author really excelled was with the antagonist character. I mean you would absolutely hate this man. I went from gradual to serious detest of the father, yet I kept hoping for redemption. He was so well done as he balanced out the other characters. Lami was sometimes too much ehn.
I also found it interesting that while ladies may like to date a guy like Nico, the French guy, No African man would want to be like him, lemme run before I get in trouble.
A very good book and impressive debut and I look forward to future work from the author. I recommend.
The first thing that strikes you about this book is that it is so clearly written and easy to read. The pace and storytelling was really good. Major themes were family, grief, love abandonment and redemption.
One area I felt the author really excelled was with the antagonist character. I mean you would absolutely hate this man. I went from gradual to serious detest of the father, yet I kept hoping for redemption. He was so well done as he balanced out the other characters. Lami was sometimes too much ehn.
I also found it interesting that while ladies may like to date a guy like Nico, the French guy, No African man would want to be like him, lemme run before I get in trouble.
A very good book and impressive debut and I look forward to future work from the author. I recommend.
January 8, 2024
This is a brilliant book that shows how domestic violence tears at all the fabrics that holds one together. It gives one unspeakable traumas and make them carry the pain and shame of it for a very long time. I recommend you read this book if you read and loved Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie. Even if you haven't, still read it.
December 26, 2023
“My heart felt brand new. It was though I had never broken.”
Even being in a very different setting from what I usually read; I could still find it so heart-touching. I fell in love with Lami and her mother’s relationship. I laughed, cried, was angry, and felt at peace in the ending. Written in a really simple and beautiful way, tearless is a book about many important topics like childhood trauma and parent death. Still, it gives you warm hugs through the characters of Lara and Nico. I adored Nico and Lami. It was so beautifully illustrated; their story is pure love. I liked the concept of how Lami would talk about her past in between when something in the present happens which makes her remember the past. Seeing Lami go through childhood trauma and abuse by her father was horrific and it broke my heart to see her go through those many things even when none of the things were her fault. Those heart-wrenching traumatic experiences could break anyone. Then seeing her grow out of her trauma and when she tries to give everything a chance. It is a really beautiful book filled with every type of emotion. The author portrayed her and her life in a very impressive manner, I thought I would get bored but this was far away from boring, this was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it and congrats to the author for her debut book! I’m so impressed, thank you so much for sending me an ARC copy, I loved reading it.
Even being in a very different setting from what I usually read; I could still find it so heart-touching. I fell in love with Lami and her mother’s relationship. I laughed, cried, was angry, and felt at peace in the ending. Written in a really simple and beautiful way, tearless is a book about many important topics like childhood trauma and parent death. Still, it gives you warm hugs through the characters of Lara and Nico. I adored Nico and Lami. It was so beautifully illustrated; their story is pure love. I liked the concept of how Lami would talk about her past in between when something in the present happens which makes her remember the past. Seeing Lami go through childhood trauma and abuse by her father was horrific and it broke my heart to see her go through those many things even when none of the things were her fault. Those heart-wrenching traumatic experiences could break anyone. Then seeing her grow out of her trauma and when she tries to give everything a chance. It is a really beautiful book filled with every type of emotion. The author portrayed her and her life in a very impressive manner, I thought I would get bored but this was far away from boring, this was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend it and congrats to the author for her debut book! I’m so impressed, thank you so much for sending me an ARC copy, I loved reading it.
December 29, 2023
Ayo crafted this book so powerfully that no one who reads it won't be left spellbound. One thing I love most about it is the fluid language that makes the novel sit tight in the mind of the reader. I will recommend this book over and over again! Kudos to Ayo Deforge for this masterpiece!
December 1, 2023
“I've seen friends become family and family become strangers. It happens all the time. Family is important but you can't always force it.”
🏝️
In the language of flowers, it's said that Marigold symbolizes the power to flourish in any hardship—this is something I heard in a kdrama & I don't know how much of it is true; but if it is, then I would send a bouquet to Lami in Ayo Deforge's debut novel "Tearless".
Congratulations Ayo on your debut novel & Happy Publication Day!💜
In a character driven, coming of age tale, set in Lagos, we meet 24yo Lami who dreams of getting her master's degree in French from Paris & hopes to reunite her scattered family—the siblings who were separated by their father after their mother's untimely death.
Shifting between the past & the present, we see Lami's difficult childhood & the abuser of a husband & father and the burdens of the past Lami carries in her present.
Over the pages, Lami grows over you & you see yourself rooting for her, wishing & hoping that she overcomes her demons & gets that one happy ending she has always searched for.
Accompanied by Lami's self-growth, we are sprinkled with moments of friendship & love from two of her strongest supporters—Ada & Nico, who are legit the kind of friends & a lover one would call a green flag.
Lami & Nico's interracial love story was a sweet addition amidst the darkness that looms heavy on Lami & it was a stranger to friends to lovers trope, so yeah I'm a bit biased there!🤭
This is a strong debut that doesn't shy away from portraying difficult family relations, the societal burdens of living in a Patriarchal society & the stigma surrounding single parenting and divorce.
An incompetent, possessive, toxic husband & father is a story we are well acquainted with, either personally or of someone we know, and Deforge with an unflinching gaze questions & reflects on the imbalanced parenting structures that demand so little from a father & forgives them of all their sins, despite them not deserving of the forgiveness.
Tearless will break your heart but it will also give you courage to dream & to walk towards achieving it. It leaves you on a note that an unhappy childhood doesn't mean that happiness can't be found one day in the future.
It'd be selfish of me to say I needed more of Lami & her siblings sharing a table in the present & letting go of their collective trauma, but I'm satisfied with the turn of events since that's what life is all about.
It's a raw account of a dysfunctional family & if you're looking forward to exploring indie African authors then you need to add this to your TBRs!
🏝️
In the language of flowers, it's said that Marigold symbolizes the power to flourish in any hardship—this is something I heard in a kdrama & I don't know how much of it is true; but if it is, then I would send a bouquet to Lami in Ayo Deforge's debut novel "Tearless".
Congratulations Ayo on your debut novel & Happy Publication Day!💜
In a character driven, coming of age tale, set in Lagos, we meet 24yo Lami who dreams of getting her master's degree in French from Paris & hopes to reunite her scattered family—the siblings who were separated by their father after their mother's untimely death.
Shifting between the past & the present, we see Lami's difficult childhood & the abuser of a husband & father and the burdens of the past Lami carries in her present.
Over the pages, Lami grows over you & you see yourself rooting for her, wishing & hoping that she overcomes her demons & gets that one happy ending she has always searched for.
Accompanied by Lami's self-growth, we are sprinkled with moments of friendship & love from two of her strongest supporters—Ada & Nico, who are legit the kind of friends & a lover one would call a green flag.
Lami & Nico's interracial love story was a sweet addition amidst the darkness that looms heavy on Lami & it was a stranger to friends to lovers trope, so yeah I'm a bit biased there!🤭
This is a strong debut that doesn't shy away from portraying difficult family relations, the societal burdens of living in a Patriarchal society & the stigma surrounding single parenting and divorce.
An incompetent, possessive, toxic husband & father is a story we are well acquainted with, either personally or of someone we know, and Deforge with an unflinching gaze questions & reflects on the imbalanced parenting structures that demand so little from a father & forgives them of all their sins, despite them not deserving of the forgiveness.
Tearless will break your heart but it will also give you courage to dream & to walk towards achieving it. It leaves you on a note that an unhappy childhood doesn't mean that happiness can't be found one day in the future.
It'd be selfish of me to say I needed more of Lami & her siblings sharing a table in the present & letting go of their collective trauma, but I'm satisfied with the turn of events since that's what life is all about.
It's a raw account of a dysfunctional family & if you're looking forward to exploring indie African authors then you need to add this to your TBRs!
December 11, 2023
Tearless is a story about a girl from Lagos named Olamide Davis aka Lami.
The story describes her twisted family relationships since childhood and also the tortures of her father who was abusive, violent and hated her since she could never shed a tear.
After the passing of her mother, even her sister was separated from her and sent to stay with a relative in England.
The novel describes the mixed emotions of the protagonist and her courage to bring her family together. She has shown great will to find her way to her younger sister Tutu.
Along the way she also found love from Nico which was a sigh of relief in this hard wired novel.
I was really happy to find that Lami was able to reunite with her sister in the end. I also wished that her father would understand his mistakes and tried making it up to her but it didn't unfold in the story.
It would have been overwhelming to see the sisters relationship growing in today's time however I was able to draw it easily for myself.
Reading this beautiful and emotional piece, I would have never thought that this would be a debut novel and I'm really impressed by the writing and the story telling style. I absolutely loved the dual timeline narration and it always left me wanting more at the end of each chapter. I swear it was not at all a tearless experience reading this one and these characters felt like a part of my life or people I've known for years. I finished the book but I feel a part of my heart will also be booked by these characters.
I'm really glad that I got a chance to read this book. Cheers to this one and the many more to come, Ayo! 🥂
The story describes her twisted family relationships since childhood and also the tortures of her father who was abusive, violent and hated her since she could never shed a tear.
After the passing of her mother, even her sister was separated from her and sent to stay with a relative in England.
The novel describes the mixed emotions of the protagonist and her courage to bring her family together. She has shown great will to find her way to her younger sister Tutu.
Along the way she also found love from Nico which was a sigh of relief in this hard wired novel.
I was really happy to find that Lami was able to reunite with her sister in the end. I also wished that her father would understand his mistakes and tried making it up to her but it didn't unfold in the story.
It would have been overwhelming to see the sisters relationship growing in today's time however I was able to draw it easily for myself.
Reading this beautiful and emotional piece, I would have never thought that this would be a debut novel and I'm really impressed by the writing and the story telling style. I absolutely loved the dual timeline narration and it always left me wanting more at the end of each chapter. I swear it was not at all a tearless experience reading this one and these characters felt like a part of my life or people I've known for years. I finished the book but I feel a part of my heart will also be booked by these characters.
I'm really glad that I got a chance to read this book. Cheers to this one and the many more to come, Ayo! 🥂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2023
Tearless is a story about Olamide Davies, fondly called Lami, and her challenging childhood under the shadow of her family. Her father, a character who seemed hellbent on making her cry all because she never shed tears when crying. His lack of love and compassion for his children and wife was heartbreaking. I found myself wishing for a different life for Lami—one where she didn’t have to tread lightly around her father, where she and her siblings weren’t made to feel like strangers to one another.
After every chapter, I took a break to breathe because the emotions were just too much. Either I cried or just took deep breaths — but I knew I had to keep reading.
Despite everything, there’s a light of hope in the form of Nico, Lami’s love interest. He’s caring, protective, and unwaveringly supportive, especially regarding Lami’s quest to find her sister. His presence in the story brings much-needed warmth and light. 🥹🌟
Lami's quest to find her sister, whom her father sent abroad at the very young age of 4, was one thing I loved so much.
𝐂𝐖: 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞
Thank you so much, @ayodeforge for sending me an arc copy.
After every chapter, I took a break to breathe because the emotions were just too much. Either I cried or just took deep breaths — but I knew I had to keep reading.
Despite everything, there’s a light of hope in the form of Nico, Lami’s love interest. He’s caring, protective, and unwaveringly supportive, especially regarding Lami’s quest to find her sister. His presence in the story brings much-needed warmth and light. 🥹🌟
Lami's quest to find her sister, whom her father sent abroad at the very young age of 4, was one thing I loved so much.
𝐂𝐖: 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞
Thank you so much, @ayodeforge for sending me an arc copy.
November 30, 2023
Ayo Deforge contacted me to read her debut novel Tearless, and I am so glad she did.
I L really enjoyed this, and let me tell you, this is a must-read! I lost myself in these pages, and it honestly didn't feel like a debut. This was such an intriguing and inspiring read. I felt every word of this. Deforge really develops these characters so well, and you will either fall in love with them or hate them.
Lami is such an interesting character, and her development and growth throughout the novel was well done. The two timelines we follow really help us to understand her, her family situation, and what she went through. And trust me, she goes through a lot in her life.
Also Nico 😍 he was just perfect
I L really enjoyed this, and let me tell you, this is a must-read! I lost myself in these pages, and it honestly didn't feel like a debut. This was such an intriguing and inspiring read. I felt every word of this. Deforge really develops these characters so well, and you will either fall in love with them or hate them.
Lami is such an interesting character, and her development and growth throughout the novel was well done. The two timelines we follow really help us to understand her, her family situation, and what she went through. And trust me, she goes through a lot in her life.
Also Nico 😍 he was just perfect
November 27, 2023
Tearless is one story that leaves you wanting more. It’s a story set in Lagos, Paris, and a bit in London. It's about a ruthless father who had no empathy whatsoever for his wife, his children, or his wife’s family. Leaving the children with never-ending trauma and disconnection after the death of their loving mother, who died of cancer. I love how the story shuffles between the past and the present, giving the reader an in depth idea of the foundational reason for all of the main character’s trauma. I particularly love how. even though is primarily Lami's POV, the author still found a way to give a well rounded insight into the lives of other characters, making the reader relate with everyone in the book and not just Lami.
This is a well written, well structured, and well plotted story with lots of lessons to learn. It was written in mostly English with sprinklings of French (I learned bits of French from it 😀). The book is a must read for everyone as it touches on some sensitive issues that people hardly talk about or are aware of, especially Nigerians and Africans generally.
This is a well written, well structured, and well plotted story with lots of lessons to learn. It was written in mostly English with sprinklings of French (I learned bits of French from it 😀). The book is a must read for everyone as it touches on some sensitive issues that people hardly talk about or are aware of, especially Nigerians and Africans generally.
November 28, 2023
Tearless is like an every day caption of several stories that could be gathered from random strangers across the street. Relatable.
How past struggles and in Lami's case in this story, - grief and denial, - shadows her till it becomes a fundamental part of who she is.
Maybe not problems has a past or a history of grief and denial, but there's always the influence in choices made which becomes the struggle that's faced.
This story is about Lami's struggles, her evolution through it, and her road to love and acceptance. It's a story that's definitely enjoyable, and one that should be read.
How past struggles and in Lami's case in this story, - grief and denial, - shadows her till it becomes a fundamental part of who she is.
Maybe not problems has a past or a history of grief and denial, but there's always the influence in choices made which becomes the struggle that's faced.
This story is about Lami's struggles, her evolution through it, and her road to love and acceptance. It's a story that's definitely enjoyable, and one that should be read.
December 1, 2023
I wasn't sure what I'd make of this book, but ended up enjoying it a lot. It's an easy, compelling read that left me wanting to find out what happened. I occasionally found it a bit simplistic in parts, but I enjoyed the storyline and would recommend
February 27, 2024
This is a book about a woman who navigates a painful family history of separation, the death of her mother, domestic abuse, and rejection, as she tries to find wholeness and unite her siblings. The story weaves between past and present in each chapter, trying to paint a clearer sense of her life in each timeline. While she goes on a journey to find her youngest sister, reunite her other siblings, heal from her past and find love in the present, the past paints a dark picture of the challenges she is trying to overcome. I think that this interplay of time helped to lighten what would have been a quite a heavy story.
There are a few things this book could have done better. I think that it would have benefitted from a much stronger edit, as there was what felt like a lot of unnecessary information and dialogue included. There were also missed opportunities to go deeper into some key scenes by showing rather than telling as it used a lot of reported speech instead of dialogue. Some of the language also felt overemphasised and almost “purple”, and again, I think it could have been pared down to have more power. I also didn’t really understand the use of “tearlessness” as the anchor of the story, but it was interesting and unfamiliar, I guess.
However, I enjoyed the story itself, specifically the scenes set in the present. It was interesting to see the protagonist’s life in Lagos; her friendship with Ada, her blossoming romance with Nico, her visits abroad, her search for her sister. It was my first time reading a French-Nigerian crossover and I found this interesting as I’m now based in Paris. It was also heartwarming when she found her sister. However, I feel like this was a bit of an anticlimax since the discovery came by coincidence from Lara, even while Lami had gone through an extensive search. It also didn’t mention the story about her dad which Lara had alluded to, or explain his current whereabouts or relationship with Tutu. Nor did we get a sense of whether there was a broader reconciliation with the other siblings.
Although I feel like the book could have invested less in certain sections and more in others, it was interesting to read.
There are a few things this book could have done better. I think that it would have benefitted from a much stronger edit, as there was what felt like a lot of unnecessary information and dialogue included. There were also missed opportunities to go deeper into some key scenes by showing rather than telling as it used a lot of reported speech instead of dialogue. Some of the language also felt overemphasised and almost “purple”, and again, I think it could have been pared down to have more power. I also didn’t really understand the use of “tearlessness” as the anchor of the story, but it was interesting and unfamiliar, I guess.
However, I enjoyed the story itself, specifically the scenes set in the present. It was interesting to see the protagonist’s life in Lagos; her friendship with Ada, her blossoming romance with Nico, her visits abroad, her search for her sister. It was my first time reading a French-Nigerian crossover and I found this interesting as I’m now based in Paris. It was also heartwarming when she found her sister. However, I feel like this was a bit of an anticlimax since the discovery came by coincidence from Lara, even while Lami had gone through an extensive search. It also didn’t mention the story about her dad which Lara had alluded to, or explain his current whereabouts or relationship with Tutu. Nor did we get a sense of whether there was a broader reconciliation with the other siblings.
Although I feel like the book could have invested less in certain sections and more in others, it was interesting to read.
January 22, 2024
My #firstfiction read of the year goes to this wonderful debut by @ayodeforgewrites. She was kind enough to gift me an ARC in exchange for an honest review & I'm grateful 🙏🏾
So on #bookishthoughts, I enjoyed reading this novel. Lami is a girl who couldn't shed tears physically no matter how hard she tried & she was denied love & called all sorts by her (wicked) father because of that. She struggled through her life being haunted by that deficiency, something just a visit to a doctor could have solved, you know, but African parents...😶
Lami is also a girl determined to unite her family after the sad loss of their mother after which her (again, wicked) father dismantled the family unit so callously and without shame! That man😶 Lami carries a lot of trauma from her childhood.
I felt so sad for Lami & her siblings having to grow up under the circumstances they did. Anytime I was tempted to ask how people survive under such harsh conditions, I remembered @violadavis "Finding Me" memoir & a favorite quote that stuck with me from it where she wrote, "It is amazing to witness just how much the human spirit can endure without breaking" (paraphrased). Humans, we're indeed resilient beings. Yet still, it still broke my heart, like how it always does, when I witness children suffering or being abused. Why have children only to treat them so carelessly?
Lami and Nico's romance was a good one although, Nico did feel too good to be true, lol 😂. I was waiting for when something fishy would sprung up about him, but thankfully, he was a Godsent & I loved his thoughtfulness towards Lami. As the sucker I am for happy endings, the novel ended well for me💜. For a debut, I think this was well- done & I look forward to reading more from the author. I'd definitely recommend!
Themes explored: family, trauma, child abuse, gender based violence, love, etc.
So on #bookishthoughts, I enjoyed reading this novel. Lami is a girl who couldn't shed tears physically no matter how hard she tried & she was denied love & called all sorts by her (wicked) father because of that. She struggled through her life being haunted by that deficiency, something just a visit to a doctor could have solved, you know, but African parents...😶
Lami is also a girl determined to unite her family after the sad loss of their mother after which her (again, wicked) father dismantled the family unit so callously and without shame! That man😶 Lami carries a lot of trauma from her childhood.
I felt so sad for Lami & her siblings having to grow up under the circumstances they did. Anytime I was tempted to ask how people survive under such harsh conditions, I remembered @violadavis "Finding Me" memoir & a favorite quote that stuck with me from it where she wrote, "It is amazing to witness just how much the human spirit can endure without breaking" (paraphrased). Humans, we're indeed resilient beings. Yet still, it still broke my heart, like how it always does, when I witness children suffering or being abused. Why have children only to treat them so carelessly?
Lami and Nico's romance was a good one although, Nico did feel too good to be true, lol 😂. I was waiting for when something fishy would sprung up about him, but thankfully, he was a Godsent & I loved his thoughtfulness towards Lami. As the sucker I am for happy endings, the novel ended well for me💜. For a debut, I think this was well- done & I look forward to reading more from the author. I'd definitely recommend!
Themes explored: family, trauma, child abuse, gender based violence, love, etc.
January 22, 2024
It's funny how the book is titled tearless, and I was tearful all the way through it.
Tearless talked about so many things but majorly on childhood trauma that tends to extend into the future. It infuses itself in our daily lives, and unless it is faced squarely, to overcome it is always difficult. For a long time a question lingered in my mind while reading this book "what would my father had done if he was faced with this while I was a child" it's a question that I couldn't answer because we would never know.
I hated her father so much, and just when you think my hatred cup is filled, I read something more bizarre. I cried for Lami for all the tears she couldn't shed, for all the times the words stop in her throat, for all the times she was abused as a child and for her adult self that was holding on to the past so strongly and couldn't face her fears.
The book tells a story of the past and present Lami in a way that I enjoyed reading as the past and present are intertwined. The present explains the strong bond of friendship and the difficulties of surviving adulthood when all you want to do is be achild again. While the past features the naivety of a child that was stolen from her and the bond of siblinghood that was ripped apart by grief that should have brought them together. A father who would rather dump his children with family than take actual responsibility on them while also selling off his dead wife's property for his own benefit. A sister who wants to reunite her siblings but was faced with cold shoulder because everyone is an adult shielding themselves from the trauma that lingers in their chest. No one wants to confront the evil of the past that took them all on a different path, but I guess you would find out the rest if you read the book "Tearless by Ayo Deforge."
Tearless talked about so many things but majorly on childhood trauma that tends to extend into the future. It infuses itself in our daily lives, and unless it is faced squarely, to overcome it is always difficult. For a long time a question lingered in my mind while reading this book "what would my father had done if he was faced with this while I was a child" it's a question that I couldn't answer because we would never know.
I hated her father so much, and just when you think my hatred cup is filled, I read something more bizarre. I cried for Lami for all the tears she couldn't shed, for all the times the words stop in her throat, for all the times she was abused as a child and for her adult self that was holding on to the past so strongly and couldn't face her fears.
The book tells a story of the past and present Lami in a way that I enjoyed reading as the past and present are intertwined. The present explains the strong bond of friendship and the difficulties of surviving adulthood when all you want to do is be achild again. While the past features the naivety of a child that was stolen from her and the bond of siblinghood that was ripped apart by grief that should have brought them together. A father who would rather dump his children with family than take actual responsibility on them while also selling off his dead wife's property for his own benefit. A sister who wants to reunite her siblings but was faced with cold shoulder because everyone is an adult shielding themselves from the trauma that lingers in their chest. No one wants to confront the evil of the past that took them all on a different path, but I guess you would find out the rest if you read the book "Tearless by Ayo Deforge."
January 24, 2024
Thank you for this gorgeous book @ayodeforgewrites
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I've read my fair share of books about a$$hole fathers but Lami's father takes the cake. I've never experienced stuff like this but reading this book gave me some kind of mini trauma😭. Coz I don't understand why a father should take pleasure in hurting his children this much and their mother, after so many years of marriage couldn't develop a backbone to say 'enough is enough'!
I wish we'd gotten the story of that man's end, literally. A bus should've hit him, he should've fallen and broken his wicked skull, one of his children should've stabbed him in his big beer stomach, anything!💀
Sweet Lami tried to reconnect and bond with her siblings over the years but everybody else had moved on. I really wish she'd left them alone because her attempts felt awkward and out of place.
"If your siblings don't want to come together as a family, it's fine. They're probably trying to start their own new families. Start afresh too......... Family is important but you can't always force it...."
Nico is my favorite part of this book. No drama with him, no trauma. Just soft life and croissant!!😭❤️. He was so patient with her and my dude fell in love at first sight, he'd literally do anything for her.
I love all the French representation ; the Eiffel tower, the museum, the food!
I would have loved to see all the siblings come together if not for anything but to reunite with Tutu, and I feel that their father didn't get the poetic justice he deserves ( na this one pain me pass😭).
All in all, it's a great book, a fast read with lots of feels!🤍
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I've read my fair share of books about a$$hole fathers but Lami's father takes the cake. I've never experienced stuff like this but reading this book gave me some kind of mini trauma😭. Coz I don't understand why a father should take pleasure in hurting his children this much and their mother, after so many years of marriage couldn't develop a backbone to say 'enough is enough'!
I wish we'd gotten the story of that man's end, literally. A bus should've hit him, he should've fallen and broken his wicked skull, one of his children should've stabbed him in his big beer stomach, anything!💀
Sweet Lami tried to reconnect and bond with her siblings over the years but everybody else had moved on. I really wish she'd left them alone because her attempts felt awkward and out of place.
"If your siblings don't want to come together as a family, it's fine. They're probably trying to start their own new families. Start afresh too......... Family is important but you can't always force it...."
Nico is my favorite part of this book. No drama with him, no trauma. Just soft life and croissant!!😭❤️. He was so patient with her and my dude fell in love at first sight, he'd literally do anything for her.
I love all the French representation ; the Eiffel tower, the museum, the food!
I would have loved to see all the siblings come together if not for anything but to reunite with Tutu, and I feel that their father didn't get the poetic justice he deserves ( na this one pain me pass😭).
All in all, it's a great book, a fast read with lots of feels!🤍
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January 24, 2024
This book wrung me dry emotionally like it touched me in ways I cannot fully explain. I found myself forgiving Lami and perfectly understanding her fears and behaviours.
First off, the whole idea of domestic violence is one explored so much but I am yet to see one as bad as Papa with respect to his treatment of his own kids. I am sure many Nigerian kids understand punishment but his was extreme and violent.
Trauma is something that is beginning to gain traction and understanding in our world today as the whole 'mental health' is gaining prominence and necessary attention. Lami experienced so much growth in the book and I loved the fact that she was self aware and open to learning, growth and forgiveness. Nico was a sweetheart, his patience and openness helped her heal.
I loved the language and the fusion between past and present; it almost seemed as though all her actions were being explained. Language was easy and the French inclusion was nice (made us almost believe French is an easy language to learn). I loved Ada, her acceptance and unwavering loyalty.
Family is family: good or bad. I did not like the fact she was beholden to the promise she made her dead mom but I can understand the pressure to want to please one's parents.
In all, this was a great book and I loved it even if some scenes were overtly explained and detailed but the language was simple and easy to follow so I will not complain too much. Some characters could have been developed like given more depth but I guess, the whole message of love, forgivenss, domestic violence and family cannot be disputed.
First off, the whole idea of domestic violence is one explored so much but I am yet to see one as bad as Papa with respect to his treatment of his own kids. I am sure many Nigerian kids understand punishment but his was extreme and violent.
Trauma is something that is beginning to gain traction and understanding in our world today as the whole 'mental health' is gaining prominence and necessary attention. Lami experienced so much growth in the book and I loved the fact that she was self aware and open to learning, growth and forgiveness. Nico was a sweetheart, his patience and openness helped her heal.
I loved the language and the fusion between past and present; it almost seemed as though all her actions were being explained. Language was easy and the French inclusion was nice (made us almost believe French is an easy language to learn). I loved Ada, her acceptance and unwavering loyalty.
Family is family: good or bad. I did not like the fact she was beholden to the promise she made her dead mom but I can understand the pressure to want to please one's parents.
In all, this was a great book and I loved it even if some scenes were overtly explained and detailed but the language was simple and easy to follow so I will not complain too much. Some characters could have been developed like given more depth but I guess, the whole message of love, forgivenss, domestic violence and family cannot be disputed.
April 17, 2024
C.W: Grief, Cancer, Nyctophobia, Infidelity, Abuse.
"How can you go to the university to study such a stupid course?" Aunty Nike, Mama's first cousin, had asked. " How can a science student study French language? French can't put food on your table. You want to become a teacher, and worse still, a French teacher. You do know that teaching jobs in Nigeria are not lucrative, right? Can't you see how Grandpa and Grandma weren't paid their pensions for months? Do you know how many pensioners die at Alausa trying to get their pensions? Do you want to be poor?"
Lami, the 3rd child out of 5 siblings, had always longed for her father's love since her mother's passing when she was a child. Abandoned to navigate life with her siblings without her father's care, she felt abused and disgusted by his irresponsibility, causing her to hate him. Despite her childhood dream of becoming an engineer, Lami unexpectedly developed an interest in French, which she later studied in school and eventually became a French teacher.
After the death of her mother, Lami's father entrusted his children to different relatives, never looking back. Now, 12 years later, Lami is determined to reunite with her siblings, especially Tutu.
This is a story about family bond, friendship and a mother's love.
Thank you @ayodeforgewrites for giving me a digital copy of your book.
#tearless #ayodeforge #bookafrique #bookcommunity
"How can you go to the university to study such a stupid course?" Aunty Nike, Mama's first cousin, had asked. " How can a science student study French language? French can't put food on your table. You want to become a teacher, and worse still, a French teacher. You do know that teaching jobs in Nigeria are not lucrative, right? Can't you see how Grandpa and Grandma weren't paid their pensions for months? Do you know how many pensioners die at Alausa trying to get their pensions? Do you want to be poor?"
Lami, the 3rd child out of 5 siblings, had always longed for her father's love since her mother's passing when she was a child. Abandoned to navigate life with her siblings without her father's care, she felt abused and disgusted by his irresponsibility, causing her to hate him. Despite her childhood dream of becoming an engineer, Lami unexpectedly developed an interest in French, which she later studied in school and eventually became a French teacher.
After the death of her mother, Lami's father entrusted his children to different relatives, never looking back. Now, 12 years later, Lami is determined to reunite with her siblings, especially Tutu.
This is a story about family bond, friendship and a mother's love.
Thank you @ayodeforgewrites for giving me a digital copy of your book.
#tearless #ayodeforge #bookafrique #bookcommunity
November 30, 2023
📚Summary
After years of separation from her siblings, Olamide Davies does everything possible to reunite her siblings while confronting her fears.
———
My thoughts 💭
This is an absolute beautiful yet heartbreaking book that tackles grief and childhood trauma in a way that grabs your attention. As I read Lami’s story and the things she went through, I felt deeply for her. Despite everything she and her siblings suffered in the hands of their father, with hers being worse Lami fought to make sure they reunite.
The book is written in such a way that every word, disappointment, rejection, hurt and even love pierces your heart. I really applaud Ayo Deforge for writing such a book with real life fears and experiences.
I love how the story unfolds with the alternating timelines, it wasn’t rushed and I love how easy the writing is, simple yet beautiful. One other thing I love is the portrayal of genuine friendship between Lami and Ada, so beautiful.
To write a lengthy review is to give spoilers which I’m avoiding, but heads up guys, there’s a man in this book that needs to be flogged 😩.
The book will be released 1/12/23, add it to your TBR💕
After years of separation from her siblings, Olamide Davies does everything possible to reunite her siblings while confronting her fears.
———
My thoughts 💭
This is an absolute beautiful yet heartbreaking book that tackles grief and childhood trauma in a way that grabs your attention. As I read Lami’s story and the things she went through, I felt deeply for her. Despite everything she and her siblings suffered in the hands of their father, with hers being worse Lami fought to make sure they reunite.
The book is written in such a way that every word, disappointment, rejection, hurt and even love pierces your heart. I really applaud Ayo Deforge for writing such a book with real life fears and experiences.
I love how the story unfolds with the alternating timelines, it wasn’t rushed and I love how easy the writing is, simple yet beautiful. One other thing I love is the portrayal of genuine friendship between Lami and Ada, so beautiful.
To write a lengthy review is to give spoilers which I’m avoiding, but heads up guys, there’s a man in this book that needs to be flogged 😩.
The book will be released 1/12/23, add it to your TBR💕
January 25, 2024
@Ayodeforge did a great job. The vivid description of Lami’s life made it seem like I had known her since childhood. I could easily say she lived down across my street.
Tearless reveals the depth and impact of childhood trauma. Lami had more than a fair share of it, it was bad enough to break her. This story is quite reflective, makes one understand that not everyone has it rosy in life.
Even though it took Lami a long time to heal, she displayed so much strength. I liked it when she accepted the need to move on, seek therapy, and choose happiness.
I also love how the author infused French language into the story, it shows the beauty of being a multi-lingual. It felt like I had been to Paris too.
And the love...😄
Lami truly deserved a breath of fresh air and I am glad she got it.
💥I love the author’s sense of humour too.
The part where Lami got nicknamed Tamba got me laughing so hard, probably because that was the word we used when we were growing up.😂😂😂.
One more thing...
It beats my imagination that Lami’s mum couldn’t rescue her each time she went through hell. Why was she so helpless?
In all, it was quite reflective and I enjoyed reading it.
Tearless reveals the depth and impact of childhood trauma. Lami had more than a fair share of it, it was bad enough to break her. This story is quite reflective, makes one understand that not everyone has it rosy in life.
Even though it took Lami a long time to heal, she displayed so much strength. I liked it when she accepted the need to move on, seek therapy, and choose happiness.
I also love how the author infused French language into the story, it shows the beauty of being a multi-lingual. It felt like I had been to Paris too.
And the love...😄
Lami truly deserved a breath of fresh air and I am glad she got it.
💥I love the author’s sense of humour too.
The part where Lami got nicknamed Tamba got me laughing so hard, probably because that was the word we used when we were growing up.😂😂😂.
One more thing...
It beats my imagination that Lami’s mum couldn’t rescue her each time she went through hell. Why was she so helpless?
In all, it was quite reflective and I enjoyed reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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