Shreds of Tenderness is a tale of three siblings, Wak, Odie, and Stella whose family ties are torn apart amidst political turmoil in their country, Uganda. The political climate was at an all-time high after the death of an affluent minister (father to the three siblings). In the book, Wak is depicted as a traitor and deserter who at the height of political unrest flees the country leaving his siblings and an ailing mother to fend for themselves.
Years down the line, Wak returns home where he meets an angry brother and a sympathetic sister. Their mother had died shortly after Wak’s departure. Upon his return, Odie’s anger has only become worse. He hates his brother for deserting them when he should have shielded them from the effects of the war. However, Odie’s hatred is also accompanied by fear, He fears that since his brother is now back, he will claim his rightful place as heir to his father’s wealth. Odie also fears that his brother’s return will uncover the truths of his exile and supposed death which was a rumor spread by Odie to gain support from members of his community.
On the other end, Stella sees through his brother’s lies and tantrums. She confronts him and in his defense, Odie beats his chest with confidence claiming no one can scare him, even his eldest brother, he had endured ten years of violence after all. Odie decides to begin a campaign to smear his brother’s name and mark him as a deserter and traitor who has no part in the reconstruction of the country. Wak remains silent through all this propaganda and only offers a hand of reconciliation to his brother.
After many smear campaigns, Odie gets his way and is declared the ruler. He finally gets what he had desired for a long time, the power to change laws and regulations as he saw fit. Stella sympathizes with his brother Wak, but Wak insists that family ties go beyond those of politics. Odie was his brother and his victory should be celebrated and not scorned.
A few years later, Odie’s sins are finally uncovered, during the political chaos in the country, Odie had taken part in the murder of many innocent civilians which prompted his brother’s departure. However, Odie is forgiven after admitting to his crimes.
