These Letters End in Tears

Praise

Cosmopolitan, A LGBTQ+ Books You’ve Gotta Check Out

Named a Most Anticipated Title by them, Goodreads, Electric Literature, LGBTQ Reads, Autostraddle, & Bookshop

“Powerful and devastating . . . [T]his debut shines a light on the pain and injustice many must face for love.” —Karla Strand, Ms.

“A star-crossed lesbian love story with very real stakes, this book is going to make me ugly-cry (complimentary).” —Ilana Masad, them

“A gut punch of a novel. Every now and then one story will consume every part of you and this will do it . . . A beautiful and wrenching story.” —Adam Vitcavage, Debutiful

“This debut is short, tender, and heartbreaking, perfect for fans of The Death of Vivek Oji and This Is How You Lose the Time War.” —Marissa Higgins, Literary Hub

“Xaviere’s debut novel evokes intimacy, apprehension, and suspense to deliver a portrayal of sorrow—specifically, the pain of being queer in an unaccepting society—that feels wholeheartedly real, as if reading a friend’s diary . . . Deeply tragic, Xaviere’s novel stands as a literary testimony to injustice, corruption, and violence—all for the preservation of love.” —Booklist

“A smart, finely detailed book that contends with not only sexuality, homophobia, and traditional gender roles, but also the legacy of colonialism in West Africa . . . Xaviere’s vivid and moving first novel is a resounding success.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A tender, moving portrait of forbidden desire. In deft, clear prose, Xaviere presents us with the devastating and yet redemptive power of love.” —Chukwuebuka Ibeh, author of Blessings

“An engaging debut of a memorable forbidden love beautifully narrated by one of the voices to watch.” —Zukiswa Wanner, author of The Madams

“Xaviere has woven together a needed story about love and how that love gets torn apart by homophobia. In lovely prose and an intimate epistolary style, we follow Bessem’s journey in finding her long-lost love.” —Soraya Palmer, author of The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts

“An urgent and devastating story about the cost of living in a place that refuses to recognize your humanity. With vivid and textured prose, Xaviere weaves a tale readers will not soon forget.” —Soon Wiley, author of When We Fell Apart

“Musih Tedji Xaviere’s debut novel These Letters End In Tears is a beautifully tender, heartfelt story about love and the devastating consequences of a world that is not yet all accepting. Her prose is deft and delicate, pulling you quickly in and holding you, as though you were living it.” —JJ Bola, author of The Selfless Act of Breathing