The Selfless Act of Breathing

The Selfless Act of Breathing is a novel that follows Michael Kabongo, a British-Congolese teacher living in London, as he struggles with the sense that he can't improve the injustices he sees. After suffering a devastating loss, he decides to go to America, where he imagines everything will be better. The book is a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional novel about mental health, masculinity, and the power of love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating and poignant tale that resonates with those who have ever dreamt of escaping their everyday lives and embarking on a fresh start, "The Selfless Act of Breathing" by Bola Akanbi is a literary masterpiece that delves into the depths of the human psyche.

Set in London, the story follows Michael Kabongo, a British-Congolese teacher who juggles two distinct identities. On the surface, he appears to have it all: he is adored by his students, respected by his colleagues, and cherished by his mother, who immigrated from the Congo with her dreams. However, beneath the surface, Michael grapples with an overwhelming sense of helplessness, unable to alleviate the injustices he witnesses daily.

In a tragic turn of events, Michael suffers a devastating loss that sends his life into a tailspin. As he struggles to find a way forward, memories of his father's violent death, the burden of being a refugee, and an increasing sense of dread threaten to unravel everything he has worked so hard for. Driven by a longing to escape the shadows that haunt him, Michael decides to embark on a spontaneous journey to America, the land of endless possibilities and the mythical "land of the free."

With a mix of excitement and apprehension, Michael travels from New York City to San Francisco, embracing new experiences and forging fleeting romances along the way. In his quest for a fresh start, he partakes in wild parties, indulges in exhilarating adventures, and indulges in the luxuries that money can buy. However, as the days turn into weeks, Michael begins to question the validity of his plan. He wonders if his life is truly worth living if he is merely chasing after fleeting moments of pleasure and escaping the pain that has defined him for so long.

Through his captivating prose and Bola Akanbi's trademark magnetic storytelling, "The Selfless Act of Breathing" explores the complex themes of mental health, masculinity, and the profound power of love. The novel delves into the struggles of individuals who are torn between their cultural identities and the expectations of society, and it sheds light on the toll that trauma and loss can take on a person's mental well-being.

"The Selfless Act of Breathing" is a poignant and relatable story that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349702063