In 'Speak No Evil,' Uzodinma Iweala crafts a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of upper-class Washington, D.C., zeroing in on the life of Niru, a Nigerian-American teenager. Despite seemingly having it all—a loving family, academic prowess, and athletic acclaim—Niru harbors a secret that puts him at odds with his conservative parents' expectations: he is gay. When his secret is accidentally revealed, Niru faces the severe repercussions that ripple through his close-knit relationship with Meredith, his best friend, and daughter of influential parents. As each navigates the landscape of identity and societal norms, they hurtle towards a future fraught with violence and uncertainty. Iweala masterfully explores themes of self-acceptance, the complexity of family bonds, and the harsh reality of conflicting cultural values, resulting in a narrative that is both devastating and illuminating.