Michael is a British-Congolese teacher struggling to find balance or respite from the separate identities, expectations and conflicts pulling at him. Across two alternating timeliness, we feel the weight of the injustices that have flattened Michael's heart and, as he spirals ever more dramatically towards destruction, we move closer to understanding the scope of the devastation which forged his path.

Oh boy. This novel is so immensely powerful. In early chapters, I found myself repeatedly dumbfounded and distraught by my recognition of the narrative's abject hopelessness. There were entire passages which could have been plucked from the pages of my adolescent journals. As a reflection on MH and the urge to leave ourselves behind, it's hauntingly close to reality. Bola's prose presents such a profound emotional vulnerability, rendered so beautifully and so honestly; it's truly courageous writing.

'there I stood, a dilapidated building, falling apart brick by brick by brick.'

"All these positives but only ⭐️⭐️⭐️??" Let me explain. Though TSAOB held so much potential, the ARC I read wasn't flawless and while it did break my heart, it didn't reshape my world. I think the sincere familiarity I felt with the narrative's meandering introspection lessened the intended impact and often just left me frustrated. It's not you, it's me.

Though this story is undoubtedly one of loss and trauma, it's also one of such boundless empathy and hard-fought hope. It's yet another shining expression of the power of fiction to expand our hearts and to help us see, to know, each other.

Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing eARC access in exchange for this review. I'm so glad to have shared in Michael's journey.