Runnin' No More - G T Dípè
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The author gifted me this book in return for an honest review.
Two-Sentence Summary
A complex story of love whilst dealing with the trauma. A diverse cast of characters that you are instantly drawn to.
Synopsis
Love shouldn’t be a crime, but for twenty-three-year-old Teniade Adeowo, it is. After fleeing Nigeria to escape both the law and his trauma, he arrives in England determined to leave everything behind. But when his path collides with Stefan Wickström’s at Heathrow, Ade learns that sometimes the things you run from have a way of chasing you down.
Stefan is no stranger to running. Leaving Sweden, he’s convinced constant motion is the only way to stay ahead of his past. But Ade’s quiet intensity stops him in his tracks—and suddenly, Stefan’s ghosts feel closer than ever.
In a world where love feels like a risk they can’t afford, Ade and Stefan must decide if their fragile bond will be the force that heals them or the weight that finally breaks them.
This novel is a tender yet unflinching exploration of resilience, trauma, and the transformative power of love. Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories with complex, flawed characters.
Impressions
The book follows two main characters as they journey together for over a year, dealing with trauma and the love they share.
At the heart of this novel is a beautiful love story about acceptance and personal growth while dealing with prejudice. The two characters both have their demons to extinguish before they can be completely together. But this novel shows that sometimes it’s easier to face your demons when someone is holding your hand.
The book also highlights atrocities that happen in other countries without preaching. The reader is allowed to learn on their own terms.
In addition to the two main protagonists, there is a diverse group of well-developed side characters. I have to say that at the beginning, I lost track of who was who, but this didn’t last long.
This is a difficult read in places due to the subject matter, but it is worth reading. The author clearly states the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, so check that out if you are concerned.
This is a stunning debut novel by a new author, and if you are a fan of LGB romance novels, I recommend it.
For every closet you've kicked open and every rainbow you've painted in a world that still prefers shades of grey.