Celebrated writer and poet, Jumoke Verrisimo, discuss the complexities of fictionalising personal pain in fiction, idealisation of mothers in Yoruba culture, the infliction of emotional traumas on loved ones as coping strategy for much deeper unarticulated psychological distress, and her debut novel, A Small Silence - a quietly disturbing coded novel that humanises historically underserved communities in fiction while inviting the reader to explore the psycho-social implication of loneliness and isolation. Read Brittle Paper's review here.    Songs referenced this episode (listen to the playlist on Spotify and YouTube):   A Beautiful Imperfection – Asa The Way I Feel – Asa I am A Rock – Simon and Garfunkel Gravity – John Meyer          Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood – Nina Simone Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers Army Arrangement – Fela Kuti Disturbia – Rihanna   This episode was recorded in partnership with Cassava Republic Press at Library - A luxurious members only club situated in central London.  Share your thought on this episode using the hashtag #Booksandrhymes Follow @BooksAndRhymes on Instagram and Twitter, Subscribe to the mailing list at Booksandrhymes.com Email your thoughts to [email protected] For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy