Uzodinma Iweala is the author of the critically acclaimed Beasts of No Nation (made into a Netflix film), which I've heard of but haven't read (or seen). Now that I've seen what a talented writer he is, I want to go back and read his earlier work.
Speak No Evil is a short but compelling story of two high school friends at a prestigious private high school in Washington, DC. Niru was raised by strict and religious Nigerian parents. He's the school's top track star and has already been accepted to Harvard medical school, but when he finally admits - to himself and his parents - that he's gay, his life falls apart. Meredith, his best friend, encourages him to follow his heart and his true nature, bit there are serious consequences to that path. This novel is a heartbreaking personal story about the two friends, but it also delves into important issues involving race, sexual orientation, religion, and immigration. It's a big story in a small package, and I was captivated by it.
Check out my full review at Shelf Awareness.
I'm curious about Uzodinma Iweala's earlier novels - have you read any of them?
Just put this on hold at the library. Thank you for introducing me to it.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a novel, Kellee - hope you like it. Very powerful story - and timely.
DeleteI haven't read anything by this author, but this one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't either, Helen, though I have heard of Beasts of No Nation (possibly because of the movie adaptation).
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