Review of A boy who loved me

[Jenipher Owino]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A boy who loved me" by Wilson Semitti.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"A Boy Who Loved Me" is a poignant memoir penned by Wilson Semitti, a Ugandan man who candidly recounts his life's journey, love story, and the profound challenges he grappled with regarding his sexuality and health.

The narrative unfolds with a serendipitous meeting at London's G-A-Y club in the early 2000s, where Wilson crosses paths with James, an Englishman who would become his enduring partner. Semitti's storytelling is marked by unflinching honesty, remarkable courage, and a touch of humor, as he delves into his upbringing in Uganda, a nation where homosexuality remains illegal, and where the punishment for it is death. He vividly portrays the hurdles he encountered as a queer individual in a deeply conservative society, recounting instances of violence, discrimination, fear, and isolation. He also unveils his battle with sickle-cell disease, a chronic condition that inflicts pain and complications upon him.

Beyond being a personal narrative, Wilson's memoir serves as a mirror reflecting the political and social tapestry of Uganda and the broader world. He thoughtfully explores his homeland's history, culture, and the enduring impact of colonialism and dictatorship. He touches upon the tumultuous history marked by civil strife, conflicts, the AIDS epidemic, and the stigma that accompanies it. Furthermore, he delves into the roles of religion and tradition in shaping attitudes and behaviors. Wilson also adeptly addresses themes of identity, belonging, migration, and adaptation, as his journey takes him across different countries, including Thailand, China, and South Africa. He elucidates how he copes with the ever-changing landscape, navigates challenges, sustains his relationship with James despite geographical distances and adversities, and ultimately finds purpose and meaning in his odyssey.

Semitti's memoir is a compelling and uplifting read that brilliantly underscores his resilience, fortitude, and optimism. His narrative style is vibrant and immersive, effectively drawing the reader into his world and inviting them to empathize with his emotions. He unflinchingly confronts the darker, more painful facets of his story while seamlessly interspersing moments of joy, hope, and love that illuminate his spirit and exalt his humanity. His narrative is also peppered with humor and wit, enhancing its enjoyability and relatability.

At its core, the book extols the potent force of love—both self-love and love for others. It beautifully illustrates how love transcends barriers, heals wounds, and catalyzes transformative change. It underscores how love defies distinctions of race, culture, nationality, and sexuality. This memoir will undoubtedly resonate with readers in search of a compelling and uplifting narrative that encapsulates universal life themes.

My rating for "A Boy Who Loved Me" by Wilson Semitti stands at 4 out of 5 stars. It is a masterfully written and deeply moving memoir that chronicles an extraordinary journey marked by love, courage, and resilience. I appreciate the author's candid and graceful sharing of his experiences and insights. His portrayal of Uganda's culture and history, coupled with his exploration of identity, belonging, migration, and adaptation, enriches the narrative. While I hold this memoir in high regard, I have refrained from awarding it a perfect score due to the sense that some portions of the book felt somewhat concise or hurried. I yearned for more comprehensive details or background information regarding certain events or characters. Nevertheless, this minor shortcoming does not diminish the overall quality and impact of the work. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who relish memoirs that seamlessly weave personal and political narratives, celebrating the diverse facets of love. I must also commend the professional editing of the book, which ensured a flawless reading experience, free of grammatical errors or typos.

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A boy who loved me
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[Nneka Bridget]

Wilson Semitti's A Boy Who Loved Me is a beautifully crafted memoir that intertwines personal and political narratives, capturing his journey as a queer man in a challenging environment. His honest storytelling, marked by humor and resilience, invites readers into his life while addressing profound themes of love, identity, and belonging. Though some parts felt a bit rushed, the overall impact of his experiences is deeply moving. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of courage and the transformative power of love.

[Lene Lena]

“A Boy Who Loved Me” by Wilson Semitti is indeed a heartfelt memoir that explores his journey as a queer Ugandan man. Through candid storytelling, he shares his love story with James and confronts societal challenges, including discrimination and health struggles, particularly with sickle-cell disease. Semitti’s narrative highlights resilience in the face of adversity, shedding light on the harsh realities of being LGBTQ+ in Uganda. His use of humor amidst pain makes this memoir both poignant and relatable, offering readers insight into love, identity, and survival.