This Is Not Who We Are

by Sophie Buchaillard

In 1994 two girls are pen-pals. Then Victoria’s letters from Rwanda stop; in Paris Iris can only wonder why. Twenty years later journalist Iris pitches a story to her editor: haunted, to look for Victoria. As she researches, questions about Rwanda and about her father emerge and she is forced to revisit her childhood memories. Can she find Victoria?

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2022

Reviews

[Sara Palacin Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book that left me emotional in a quiet solemn way. It sheds light on facts and history through a fiction narrative based off of a personal experience, and it truly captures the complexity and tragedy in an inmersive and captivating way. A book that leaves you thinking, and feeling deeply.

[Janet Laugharne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short listed for Wales Book of the Year 2023, ‘This is Not who we Are’ is Sophie Buchaillard’s debut novel. The intriguing title and excellent cover lead us into this substantial and thought-provoking story about the lives of ordinary people at times of extraordinary conflict; a challenging narrative about the genocide that occurred in Rwanda during 1994. The emotional heart of the narrative centres around Victoria and her family, especially her two brothers, and the devastating impact of the conflict on them all. The other narrative lens is that of Iris, Victoria’s French pen pal, who bears witness to the wider context of Rwanda’s colonial past. Despite trauma and shocking violence, there is forward momentum towards resolution. The story ends with a difficult peace, gained after many years, in the lives of the characters; and with hope for the next generation.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to the author talk, I was so ashamed to admit that I didn't know about the 1994 Rwanda conflict, having been only aged 4 at the time. But what I particularly love about this read is that the conflict serves as only a backdrop when it could easily take centre stage. What you see in this read is real, vivid people and how they try and survive. Its delicate, yet confronting, such a difficult thing to achieve in writing and yet the author makes this look easy.

Incredibly powerful and thought provoking. With a personal connection to the story too that the author has, this makes it even more significant. Absorbed this in one sitting. This one will stay with me.

[Dominick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone would be happy. The difficult questions would remain unanswered. My editor would get a nice tale for next week's edition. A handful of people might read it. If I did my job well, they might even shed a tear. Then they would step into a consultation room somewhere; nod yes to the head massage; lick the mayonnaise off their fingers before closing the lid of their sandwich box and walk back to their desk.

A powerful and unforgettable story of a forgotten past.

[Tôpher Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning first novel that hooks you very quickly and won’t let you go. It is not just a great story with characters that you come to care about but the historical subject matter, the Ruanda massacre and it’s aftermath, is evoked with passion and honesty. Like all the best novels I not only learned something but I was thoroughly engaged all the way through and beyond. Days after reading this book I am still thinking about it. Searingly well written, this is both shocking and beautiful on the nature of brutality and forgiveness. I can’t recommend this book enough!

[Mab Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skillful, succinct, and supremely fascinating book that manages to balance head and heart in equal measure. Beautifully written, but informed by true facts and therefore possessing a blend of imaginative elements and compelling socio-political aspects. A brilliant feat of balance between these, but with a poignant human story of friendship at its heart. This is a fantastic book with depths and depths, making it an utterly absorbing read.

[Katherine Stansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A multi-layered and very moving novel about the Rwandan genocide and the culpability of the French government. The central idea of pen friends whose letter-writing is disrupted by war feels original and offers a fruitful way into this complex subject matter. An excellent debut and I can't wait to see what Sophie Buchaillard writes next.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is Not Who We Are is a brilliant book about betrayal, love, genocide, the legacy of colonialism, and so many other things. The characters are fascinating, and the layers of their personalities are slowly revealed in this highly recommended work.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mesmerising, unforgettable novel about the importance of unity, hope and remembering.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book, beautifully written. One of those books that you look forward to continue reading once you started it, and then regret when it is finished

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very personal story which spans continents and decades, this novel offers insight into the Rwandan genocide specifically, and also the various ways in which survivors deal with trauma in the aftermath of such horrific events. It is thoroughly researched and informative, while at the same time focusing on character before data. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in stories about migration, or who wish to learn more about a rarely acknowledged moment in recent history.