First Line Friday
A Thread of Silent Echoes by Patrick Nzabonimpa
This week, I bring you the first lines of the stories in A Thread of Silent Echoes by up-and-coming Rwandan writer Patrick Nzabonimpa.
“Shattered Silence”
On Tuesday morning, your girlfriend of two years breaks up with you.
“A Newborn Girl is Her Mother’s Death”
Mama’s gentle snore reminds me that I am not alone as it swallows the serenity of the room.
“A Brother’s Sin”
First, he emits a groan akin to a frog’s croak.
“You See Mama”
You stare at the picture of your mama, who died in May 2020.
“Artifacts of Guilt”
“When I think about my choices again, I can see new things I could do.”
“Love’s Deceptive Mirage”
Whenever I utter the words “I love you” to Mugeni, a delicate twinkle dances in her eyes, as if they are being caressed by the soft rays of the sun.
“The Compassionate Daughter”
At age fifteen, Gatesi found herself entangled in the web of love.
“Burner Woman”
“My love is like a half-filled bottle, disguising its emptiness,” your husband’s voice echoes in your mind as you search for the perfect Father’s Day gift.
“Uwase and the Twin Dancers”
Uwase awakens to the gentle beam of sunlight grazing her right shoulder.
“Chantal”
The first time Chantal entered the world of sex work, it happened with a drunk man who drove a brand-new Toyota Corolla.
“Saved in the Watercourse”
“Maybe this isn’t enough."
“The Price of the Broken”
At 8:30 a.m., I find myself at Kimironko Market, captivated by Nishimwe.
“The Cheater’s Party”
You find yourself sprawled on a black couch, a sudden twinge of pain shooting through your back.
“Maybe That’s What Memory Is”
Fifty-three minutes before she passed, Granny lifted her voice in a trembling hymn, singing to God with a heart steeped in gratitude.
Buy A Thread of Silent Echoes here.
Buy River of Dolls and Other Stories by Suzanne Kamata here.
Buy The Beautiful One Has Come by Suzanne Kamata here.