It was stunning to hear the news of Binyavanga Wainaina’s passing and I expected to be hit by an accompanying shockwave of grief.
Somehow it came as flashes of memory: A glinting look in his eye, curiosity, quickness and laughter. It was, unexpectedly, a feeling of peace and gratitude. I am beholden: His powerful confessional writing has had a deeply personal impact on me and influenced my own work.