Days Come and Go by Hemley Boum, translated from French by Nchanji Njamnsi
“When a story begins to move inside me, I never want it to stop.”
I read Days Come and Go recently, and I haven’t been able to forget how it made me feel —anger laced with overwhelming sadness. The first part of the story goes by in a blur of injustice and the determination of one woman to tell her story while hoping someone would listen. I felt for Anna, sympathised with her even, but Tina’s testimony laid my feelings bare. And once again I was reminded of the Yoruba saying that 20 kids can’t play for 20 years. Anna puts it this way:
“How strange, these seasons that come and go, turning nature upside down. You know, where I’m from, the changes are more nuanced, less blatant. Time goes by stealthily, slipping through your fingers if you are not careful.”
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book because I completely ignored the blurb. The journey was vivid, eventful, and heartbreaking. It took me back to my room in Abeokuta where I first heard the news of the girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014. Though Tina’s story is slightly different, it doesn’t diminish the gravity of her undoing.
Who is this story for?
* Lovers of translated fiction. I’ve never read a badly written translated fiction, so I wholeheartedly recommend it.
* Lovers of character-driven books. It’s also plot-driven, so we can say it’s a blend of both.
*If you love family drama, you’ll love this one. Anna and Abi managed to put on a great performance even though they’re from different generations. I loved every bit btw.
*If you’re big on loyalty, this one’s for you. Hats off to Tina, please. I’m sorry, why should I follow you into the lion’s den?
