The Selfless Act of Breathing

Bola’s disappointing debut centers on a London high school teacher who makes a plan to travel to places he’s never been and kill himself once his money runs out. Michael Kabongo grew up in London after fleeing the war-torn Congo with his parents. Lately he’s been furious with his mother—with whom he lives—for starting a new relationship, despite her protests that his father, who was killed by police, has been dead for 20 years. He gives her an ultimatum: “If you marry him, then you will have no son, and I will have no mother.” At his school, Michael engages apathetic student Duwayne in an effort to steer him away from selling drugs. Meanwhile, Michael’s cordial relationship with colleague Sandra suffers as he deals with his depression, and he eventually quits his job. In a narrative that flits between past and present, Michael visits California, Chicago, and New York City, connecting with locals who lead him to his next destination, including a dancer/artist named Belle with whom he develops a romantic connection. The narrative has moving moments, including a fine ending, but too often the impact is blunted by Bola’s heavy-handed prose. Indeed, he is at his best when he gets out of his own way and writes simply. There’s promise here, but also more than a few rough edges. (Feb.)