39 Berne Street

Dipita's mother, Mbila, was trafficked into Europe and supported herself and her son as a prostitute in Geneva. Dipita, now a young, black, gay man serving a five-year sentence in a Swiss prison, shares their story and his search for purpose. 39 Berne Street explores the complex themes of prostitution, immigration, and homosexuality through a fluid and expressive prose that makes it ring true. It won the Prix du Roman des Romands in 2014.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Indiana University Press

My mother says that there are things in life that she can never forgive. She has experienced a lot of pain and suffering in her life, and some of the things that have happened to her have left deep scars. She believes that forgiveness is a powerful tool, but she also knows that it is not always easy to forgive.

Mbila, my mother's name, arrived in Switzerland from Cameroon at the age of 16. She was trafficked into Europe and forced to work as a prostitute in Geneva. She supported herself and her son, Dipita, through this difficult period. Dipita is now a young, black, gay man serving a five-year sentence in a Swiss prison. He shares their story and his own search for purpose.

Mbila's life was a difficult one. She was forced to leave her home and family in Cameroon and travel to Europe in search of a better life. She was vulnerable and alone, and she was often subjected to abuse and exploitation. She worked long hours and was paid very little, but she had no other options.

Dipita's life was also difficult. He was born into a family that was not accepting of his homosexuality. He struggled with his identity and his sense of belonging for many years. He was often bullied and harassed, and he felt like he had no one to turn to.

Despite the challenges that they faced, Mbila and Dipita remained strong and resilient. They supported each other through thick and thin, and they never gave up on their dreams. Mbila worked hard to provide for her son, and she never lost hope that one day they would be able to escape the life that they had been forced to live.

Dipita, too, never gave up. He found solace in writing and poetry, and he used these forms of expression to help him cope with the pain and the trauma that he had experienced. He also found support in the community of other LGBTQ+ individuals who were also struggling with their identities and their lives.

One day, Dipita met Uncle Démoney, a former civil servant in Cameroon. Uncle Démoney had staked everything on sending his sister to Switzerland in search of a better life. He had heard about the opportunities that were available in Europe, and he wanted to make sure that his sister had a chance to escape the poverty and the violence that were prevalent in their home country.

Uncle Démoney was a kind and generous man. He welcomed Mbila and Dipita into his home, and he provided them with the support that they needed to survive. He helped them find jobs and apartments, and he provided them with financial assistance. He also helped them to connect with other members of the Cameroonian community in Switzerland, which was a valuable source of support and community.

Over time, Mbila and Dipita's lives began to improve. They were able to build a stable and secure life for themselves in Switzerland. They were able to find work and build a community of friends and family. They were also able to find forgiveness and acceptance within themselves and within their community.

However, their journey was not without its challenges. There were times when Mbila and Dipita felt like they were being discriminated against and marginalized. They faced prejudice and discrimination from their neighbors and from members of the wider community. They also faced financial difficulties and struggled to make ends meet.

Despite these challenges, Mbila and Dipita remained strong and resilient. They continued to work hard and to fight for their rights and their dignity. They used their experiences to educate others about the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and they worked to build a more just and equitable society.

In the end, Mbila and Dipita's story is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story of hope and perseverance, of love and support, and of the strength that can be found in the face of adversity. It is a story that reminds us that no matter how difficult our lives may seem, we are never alone and that we have the power to create a better future for ourselves and for those around us.

Max Lobe's novel 39 Berne Street explores the complex themes of prostitution, immigration, and homosexuality through a fluid and expressive prose that makes it ring true. Originally published in French, it won the Prix du Roman des Romands in 2014.

The novel tells the story of Mbila and Dipita, two individuals who have experienced a lot of pain and suffering in their lives. Mbila is a former prostitute who was trafficked into Europe and forced to work as a prostitute in Geneva. She has experienced a lot of abuse and exploitation, and she has left deep scars. Dipita is her son, who was born into a family that was not accepting of his homosexuality. He struggled with his identity and his sense of belonging for many years, and he was often bullied and harassed.

The novel explores the complex relationships between Mbila, Dipita, and Uncle Démoney. Uncle Démoney is a former civil servant in Cameroon who staked everything on sending his sister to Switzerland in search of a better life. He is a kind and generous man who welcomes Mbila and Dipita into his home and provides them with the support that they need to survive. He helps them find jobs and apartments, and he provides them with financial assistance. He also helps them to connect with other members of the Cameroonian community in Switzerland, which is a valuable source of support and community.

Over time, Mbila and Dipita's lives begin to improve. They are able to build a stable and secure life for themselves in Switzerland. They are able to find work and build a community of friends and family. They are also able to find forgiveness and acceptance within themselves and within their community.

However, their journey is not without its challenges. There are times when Mbila and Dipita feel like they are being discriminated against and marginalized. They face prejudice and discrimination from their neighbors and from members of the wider community. They also face financial difficulties and struggle to make ends meet.

Despite these challenges, Mbila and Dipita remain strong and resilient. They continue to work hard and to fight for their rights and their dignity. They use their experiences to educate others about the importance of diversity and inclusivity, and they work to build a more just and equitable society.

In the end, Mbila and Dipita's story is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story of hope and perseverance, of love and support, and of the strength that can be found in the face of adversity. It is a story that reminds us that no matter how difficult our lives may seem, we are never alone and that we have the power to create a better future for ourselves and for those around us.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253064929