Love grows stronger in death: An exploration of love in the face of loss

According to Kate O’Neill, “love doesn’t die with death. Love is like liquid; when it pours out, it seeps into others’ lives. Love changes form and shape. Love gets into everything. Death doesn’t conquer all; love does. Love wins every single time. Love wins by lasting through death. Love wins by loving more, loving again, loving without fear.”

It would appear when writing the stories that make up the collection, all contributing writers to Love Grows Stronger in Death, an anthology of fiction coming from Witsprouts Books in May, wanted to explore and examine not just the complexities but also the shared experiences of human relations beyond the finality of death or loss.

Curated by Tope Akintayo and edited by Ibrahim Babatunde Ibrahim and Basit Jamiu, the anthology showcases the talents of fifteen emerging writers from across Africa and its diaspora.

The line-up of contributors is made up of award-winning, widely published promising new writers from across Africa and its diaspora including Enit’ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya, Roseline Mgbodichinma, Mustapha Enesi, Chinuzoke Chinuwa, Chourouq Nasri, David Ben Eke, Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera, Chinonso Nzeh. Others are Ayo Deforge, Elisha Oluyemi, Obinna Inogbo, Mohammed Babajide Mohammed, Aishat Adesanya, Miracle Elvis Ifesinachi, and Thirikwa Nyingi.

With each story, the writers present a perspective on love, life, and the resilience of the human spirit. They explore how unrequited affections and missed opportunities often echo more profoundly in the aftermath of loss, and how relationships, in all their complexity, are a universal human experience.

For instance, Thirikwa Nyingi’s “The Emails” is a touching reflection on a mother’s love, exploring the bond between a mother and her child. The story takes an unexpected turn when the protagonist receives an email from her deceased mother, leading to a series of events that offer comfort in the face of the inexplicable.

In “Ass Ears” by Chourouq Nasri, we meet Fathia, a motherless girl grappling with her grief. Her struggle is worsened by her teacher’s insistence on her wearing ‘ass ears’ for failing to do her homework, highlighting the often overlooked impact of personal loss on a student’s performance.

Chinuzoke Chinuwa’s “The Good Spirits” serves as a stark reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of life. The story delves into the concept of transcendence and the eternal struggle against the forces of the Abyss.

“Blue” by Mohammed Babajide Mohammed is a heartfelt tribute to a mother’s love. The protagonist, mourning the loss of his mother, yearns for the power to bring her back. His journey through grief and acceptance is a testament to the enduring influence of motherhood.

Generally, Love Grows Stronger in Death is a compelling read, filled with brilliant writing that draw the reader in from start to finish. It could, however, benefit from a more diverse range of contributors, particularly more female writers, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal five on gender inclusion.

Celebrated authors like Chimamanda Adichie could be invited to write the foreword, and stories related to persons with disabilities should be included to promote inclusivity..