In a society ruined by decades of hatred, divisions, and unthinkable crimes against humanity, there is an urgent need for a guiding star to steer our course back toward the promised land. In his intriguing novel, Where They Didn’t Reach, the author, Tut Kuany Kok, laid a blueprint to help us redirect our efforts, reimagine our society, and re-engineer a cohesive nation where we can live without boundaries or confines.
The outstanding story of Athiei and Dhiel, two young people who hailed from once friendly communities but turned rivals by the political decision-makers, melts hearts as it unfolds. Their struggle to mend the patches created over the decades of the divisive gospel of hatred met stiff opposition from their immediate relatives.
However, despite the difficulties encountered on the journey, they remained consistent to the cause they believed was worth dying for. The growing strong bond between the two in the face of unimaginable suffering, and their resilience to face it with love and compassion for all humanity, narrowed the valley separating the two communities and culminated in a momentous end.
Laura –
Through Dhiel and Athiei’s story, I found that Suffering Without Bitterness gives a beacon of hope in a world plagued by division and hate due to differences. The story is a great reminder of the transformative power of love.
There are many books that tell stories of love yet I found that Tut’s overall use of humour was catchy. With statements like “In this compound, one could feel that the wind was reluctant to blow. Even the crickets were uncomfortable.” Also, the setting of the refugee camp was informative on the reality of structure and life in the camp.
The book was unputdownable.