Title: AHEAD OF THE SHADOWS
Author: A.B. Kyazze
ISBN: 978 1739 9080 2
Publisher: Humanity in the Landscape Publishing
Pages: 201
Source: Review copy from Publisher
Blog Tour Organised by Random Things Tours
When a photographer witnesses war crimes, will she have to abandon her calling to save herself?
As Lena and Kojo work in conflicts across East and Central Africa, there is immense psychological pressure, and it’s not certain if their relationship will survive.
Eighteen years later, Bene walks the gritty back streets of Paris for one night in a music festival. He is on his way to meet his father in Kenya, a man he’s never met.
Ahead of the Shadows is about the intense relationships that come from work in war zones, the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next, and how one unconventional boy might be able to break the cycle.
Official Summary
03 October 2022
Ahead of the Shadows explores the effects on volunteers working in war-torn territories and the psychological struggles caused by their limited control. There is only so much they can do, and it is never enough.
The author shares an emotional tale about an outsider, trying to make a difference in the lives of the people she encounters in the harsh environment of Africa at war. She includes stunning descriptions of the landscape allowing the reader to get a taste of Africa.
Lena has the opportunity to assist in conflict areas in East and Central Africa, using photography to share these communities’ struggles with the world. While she is new to the harsh conditions the stories the locals share with her leave her horrified. She knows that she gets to leave, while the women she speaks to have to stay. This takes an emotional toll. At the same time, she has become involved with Kojo, her boss. Lena struggles to remain impartial but Kojo is calm. He is the rock she leans on. Can their relationship survive?
This book draws you into the lives of communities affected by war while sharing the emotions of the volunteers who do their best to help these people survive the unthinkable. It is a moving read.
The characters are likeable, selfless people who are driven by the desire to make a difference. The author managed to bring these people’s emotions to life, allowing the reader a moment in their minds.
This is a book that will leave you with a new look at journalists and volunteers working on the frontline. You will share in their emotions and be let admiring their determination to help others.
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About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
A.B. Kyazze is a British-American writer and photographer, having worked in many different humanitarian emergencies before settling in London. Her writing is based on more than 18 years working for humanitarian agencies in Africa, Asia and the Balkans. Her debut novel, Into the Mouth of the Lion, was published by Unbound in May 2021. She has also published the Humanity in the Landscape photography book series, and a number of flash fiction short stories, articles and book reviews. She lives in southeast London with her young family, where she works as a freelance copy editor and mentors other writers. In May 2022 A.B. Kyazze was granted a London Borough of Culture 2022 award to facilitate creative writing workshops in schools and libraries across Lewisham.
Thank you to Anne Cater, from Random Things Tours, for including me on this tour. Ahead of the Shadows was not my usual read, but it was an emotional read I am glad I had the chance to read. If you are looking for some different, give this title a try. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Great review!
Thank you
Thanks for the blog tour support x
Always a pleasure – welcome back!