"This is a really well-written novel that’s full of heart and wonderful characters. Apart from LGBTQ+ and family (found included) themes, as well as Aine’s coming-of-age journey, there’s a close and very moving study of bereavement and grief. Everything is Fine Here is excellent modern African literature that scores very highly on my “I need it not to be about war, poverty or AIDS please” list—important for me because I want to read about the complexity of African lives outside of tired media portrayals. There’s so much more to see, and Tushabe’s novel shows it—as well as managing to be an emotionally astute, fun and engaging read.

Read the full review

It's been almost 20 years since Iryn Tushabe left Uganda to live in Regina, and she says that she writes to recover things she's left behind.

The traditional stories of spiteful gods and triumphant heroes were one of the ways she and her family connected with each other.

Tushabe discussed Everything is Fine Here on Bookends with Mattea Roach.

Read the CBC web feature.

This spring Regina's Iryn Tushabe released her debut novel 'Everything is Fine Here'. and it grabs you from the very first page. It's set in Iryn's home country of Uganda and follows one family through the eyes of an 18-year old young woman named Aine. She's just discovered her older, beloved sister has been in a lesbian relationship for years. That discovery sets off a chain of events and emotions that lead us from a boarding school in rural Uganda to experiences in the country's capital city of Kampala. It's a story about the secrets we keep... and the ties that connect us. Iryn joins host Shauna Powers for a wide ranging conversation.

In this Writer's Digest interview, author Iryn Tushabe discusses how her anger-fueled first draft led to a restart and ultimately to her debut novel, Everything is Fine Here.

Iryn Tushabe's anticipated debut novel "Everything is Fine Here" (April 2025), explores themes of LGBTQ+ identity, family bonds, and the connection of sisters.