Fatshimetrie, September 15, 2024 – Writer Patrick Bassham recently presented his latest work entitled “Hearts Without Life” at a major literary event in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. This captivating work, prefaced by Faustin Bushala Bagayamukwe, poignantly addresses the conflicts and tragedies that are raging in the East of the DRC.
With a pen that is both powerful and subtle, Patrick Bassham immerses us in the heart of the dramas experienced by the inhabitants of this region torn apart by wars and natural disasters. Through the character of Jude, the author confronts us with a shocking reality, where love, betrayal and desolation mingle in a dark but authentic picture.
The volcanic eruption of Goma in 2021, which caused thousands of displaced people, and the resurgence of armed violence, serve as a backdrop to this gripping story. The author gives voice to those who fled the horror, denouncing in passing the crimes that have remained unpunished, such as the Kishishe massacre in 2022.
Through “Hearts Without Life”, Patrick Bassham transcends the simple fictional story to offer a profound reflection on the suffering and resilience of the wounded populations of eastern DRC. This book is a cry of hope for all those who have been affected by war and violence, a poignant tribute to their courage and dignity in the face of adversity.
Born in Goma, Patrick Bassham embodies the committed and talented youth of the DRC. Writer, poet and journalist, he strives, through his pen, to raise awareness of the complex and often unknown reality of his country. His commitment to BADILIKA, the Young Writers’ Clinic for Change, is evidence of this: a fierce desire to build a better future for his nation and for all of humanity.
In celebrating the release of “Hearts Without Life”, we pay tribute to all victims of war and injustice, hoping that this book will raise awareness and nourish hope for better days for the DRC and beyond. Literature, through its ability to put words to the unspeakable, becomes here a powerful vector of peace and reconciliation, carried by the vibrant and committed voice of Patrick Bassham.