Rwandan-German writer Tete Loeper has revealed that reading memoirs of Holocaust and genocide survivors inspired her to write Shut Up and Hide, a book that tells the story of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through the eyes of a seven-year-old child.

Loeper explained that many survivor memoirs are written from the perspective of adults who have grown up and gained a deeper understanding of the events they experienced. Others largely focus on the courage and resilience of survivors.

However, she wanted to explore a different perspective by highlighting childhood vulnerability and innocence, using the voice of a seven-year-old to narrate her experiences.

“My biggest wish for the readers of this book is to become more empathetic by giving the survivors attention without taking them back into their trauma,” she said.

She also expressed hope that young people would become more empowered and willing to read stories such as hers, recognising the importance of understanding the experiences of children who survived genocide.

The book's title, Shut Up and Hide, carries a deeply personal meaning. Loeper revealed that it was inspired by the words her mother repeatedly told her while they were hiding from the killers during the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Her mother would remind her that survival depended on remaining silent and staying hidden, telling her: “Ziba kandi wihishe” (Keep quiet and hide).

The author said her decision to revisit her childhood memories was also driven by the realisation that society often underestimates children's ability to remember traumatic experiences and carry emotional pain.

She wanted to tell her story as authentically as she could remember it, giving readers an insight into how a child experienced one of the darkest chapters in Rwanda's history.

Loeper credited Inzozi Publisher for playing a significant role throughout her writing journey, from the early stages of the manuscript to publication and distribution in Rwanda.

She said the publisher encouraged her when she doubted whether she would finish the book, provided emotional support throughout the difficult writing process, helped her reach the right audience and supported her application for the Radiate Literary Award.

Inzozi Publisher highlights the importance of preserving Rwanda's history

Judence Kayitesi, founder of Inzozi Publisher, described the recognition of books documenting the Genocide against the Tutsi as an important achievement for Rwanda's literary sector and efforts to preserve the country's history.

Kayitesi said the recognition of such works, including awards received by authors writing about the Genocide against the Tutsi in successive years, demonstrates that Rwanda's historical experiences are increasingly reaching wider audiences.

She emphasised that documenting the country's history through literature is not only an achievement for individual authors but also a contribution to national efforts to preserve history and educate future generations.

“Although Inzozi Publisher has many different books, we also publish works about the Genocide against the Tutsi and stories from survivors. We welcome different kinds of books, but publishing works about our history is also our contribution as a country to preserving that history and teaching it to people who may not know it, including generations born after the Genocide,” Kayitesi said.

She added that the recognition of Rwandan authors also has international significance, particularly for writers living abroad, as their works can reach audiences beyond Rwanda.

Kayitesi further highlighted the achievement of another author, Valens Kabarari, who also received an award for a book about the Genocide against the Tutsi, although the recognised book was published by a different publishing house.

She noted that Kabarari also has works published through Inzozi Publisher, including Alive, My Revenge, making his literary recognition another source of encouragement for the publishing house and its authors.

For Kayitesi, such achievements demonstrate the growing reach of Rwandan literature and the importance of giving historical accounts a platform both at home and internationally.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Loeper said winning the award has strengthened her belief that more opportunities lie ahead in her literary career.

She disclosed that she is already working on her next book, which is expected to be published next spring.

“The journey has just begun,” she said, adding that she understands the literary responsibilities that come with becoming an award-winning author and is ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

Through Shut Up and Hide, the Rwandan-German writer offers readers a perspective that goes beyond survival, reminding them that children, too, remember, experience pain and carry the lasting consequences of genocide.

The recognition of such literary works also reinforces the role of publishing houses and authors in preserving Rwanda's history and ensuring that future generations, including those born after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, continue to learn about it.

A little more informed. A little more connected.