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Shut Up, You're Pretty

One of the things I love most about my literary journey around the world is the number of immigration stories that I have come across in my search to broaden my understanding of the world and literature. Stories of immigration are essential, whether they take the form of fiction of non-fiction, because the foundation of Canada is built on immigration. Unless you are an Indigenous Person of Canada, your ancestors came from somewhere else, and in these stories of people moving across land and sea to come here is a complex history that everyone should know and understand.

Tea Mutonji

Tea Mutonji is the author of Shut Up You're Pretty, a collection of linked short stories narrated by the protagonist, Loli (Loh-lee), a girl who immigrated to Ontario from Congo-Kinshasa at the age of 6 (a journey the author herself once took). I could feel the authenticity in the words Mutonji used, and it was because of that authenticity that I was made to feel a whirlwind of emotions as I witnessed Loli's journey to womanhood. 

(Here is a link to an interview with Tea Mutonji, where she describes her experience in writing the book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fneCJb3ayas)

The Essential Story

One of the amazing things about Canada is that there are so many cultures, and even if you moved to Canada from the same place as someone else, your story is unique to you. The variety of cultural stories and experiences in Canada is an essential lesson for every Canadian citizen, because only through these stories can we truly learn about this country, and the presence of racism, bias and poverty that continues to this day.

For example, in the story "This is Only Temporary," Loli reflects on the death of Darnell, a young man and a university student, who died as a result of gang violence. The news reported Darnell's death, giving a variety of explanations for this tragedy that one might expect to hear when the media refers to "the ghetto." But through discussion with her neighbours, Loli shows us that there is often more to these stories than we are told. 

Searching For Beauty

Womanhood, Mutonji says, was one of the core elements of this books, and it is something she discusses through Loli's experiences and from the women in her life. Through Loli's journey, one thing she searches for is beauty within herself; this is something many readers can connect with, as it is difficult for many of us to look in the mirror and accept that we are beautiful. More often than not, we go out into the world and search for external validation, but sometimes these relationships are toxic, and harmful to us. 

Tea Mutonji's book of stories was utterly captivating, hopeful and heartbreaking, all at the same time. I felt like in sharing Loli's life through these short stories, Mutonji was asking me to see the whole picture, and not just what was on the surface. Because of this, I believe that Shut Up You're Pretty is an essential read for Canadians, regardless of who you are, or where you come from. Wherever Loli is now, I hope she is able to see how beautiful she is. 4.5/5 stars from me, would definitely recommend and will probably read again.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you all, either in a comment or email (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com). I hope everyone is safe, happy and healthy!

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