A review by maro022
The Tuner of Silences by Mia Couto

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A novel that explores the impact of unresolved issues related to loss, guilt, secrets and trauma. 

When Silvestre’s wife dies, he takes his two sons and servant to a deserted game reserve - which he named Jezoosalem. With no outside interaction (with the exception of Uncle Approximado), his sons - especially Mwanito, whom Jezoosalem is all he knows - begin to question the stagnancy of their life in Jezoosalem.

This yearning for more is intensified when a Portuguese woman, Marta, comes to Jezoosalem. On her own path of loss, her presence opens old wounds and probes crucial dialogue.

Eventually they all move back to the city, where a lot of trauma and secrets are revealed. 

I really loved this book - except for the inflammatory statements made about African/Black women by Marta - with the use of beautiful and descriptive language that makes the reader immersed into the book