Tearless by Ayo Deforge: Book Review

I first picked up this book when I came across a book review on Instagram. It was a moving review, and it made me want to buy it and start reading. And so, I went to Kindle and ordered a copy and started reading. The heavy subject matter means this isn’t a book to rush through; it demands time and emotional processing.

What is the book Tearless about?

The book, Tearless, follows Lami as she navigates deep grief and trauma about events that occurred in her childhood years. Lami cannot shed tears, and for this reason, her father continuously calls her a ‘witch’, subjecting her to several hours of beatings. As if that isn’t enough, her mother dies from cancer and Lami is separated from her siblings. The story takes the reader through several bouts of flashbacks which explain the many reasons that Lami is struggling to make sense of her grief, pain and trauma.

Will Lami be able to unite her siblings and overcome her trauma? Find out by reading the book.

Themes covered in the book

The overwhelming theme in the book Tearless, is undoubtedly unresolved trauma and overwhelming grief. However, there are additional themes that was covered throughout the story.

• Familial love
• Love and friendships
• Abuse
• Self love

Who will enjoy reading this book?

• I think anyone who likes reading books about people who have harboured feelings of grief and trauma will be able to relate to the book.
• On the other hand, people who haven’t dealt with their grief from losing a parent or family member may find it hard to read.
• Anyone curious about human nature will also enjoy reading this book. I say this because there is a bit of psychoanalysis of Lami’s thoughts as a result of the actions of her abusive father.

How many stars will I give this book?

This book made me feel all the emotions. There were some moments where I felt a lot of things, and I felt like the theme was being continually repeated. However, I think the author did a good job of going back in time to justify the continued theme. I guess all the emotions that this book evoked in me prompted me to take a break from it, but I still did come back to finish the novel. For that reason, I will give it four stars.

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