Vega Beloqui’s There’s Something I Need to Tell You is a deeply moving and sensitive novel that invites readers into the emotional lives of two women, Leire and Celia, whose shared diagnosis of HPV becomes a catalyst for confronting pain, rebuilding trust, and navigating the complexities of healing. Through these characters, the narrative explores not only the physical realities of HPV but also the often-invisible emotional wounds that accompany it, offering a narrative that challenges stigma and promotes empathy.
Leire, a forty years old secondary school English teacher, embodies a woman confronting her past and the lingering effects of some bad decisions with quiet strength. While the novel carefully maintains the mystery surrounding her specific experience, it is clear that her diagnosis forces her to face long-suppressed fears and regrets. Her story is a powerful portrayal of self-forgiveness and acceptance, highlighting the courage it takes to reclaim one’s identity after years of internalized guilt and pain. Leire’s journey is not only about managing a medical condition but about embracing her whole self—including her vulnerabilities and scars.
Celia’s narrative is markedly different yet equally moving. As a seventeen-year-old navigating the complexities of adolescence, she grapples with the emotional impact of her HPV diagnosis. Her experience brings to light the challenges of learning to trust again and facing uncertainty about future relationships. Celia’s journey explores the deep emotional struggles that can accompany such a diagnosis—how it can shake one’s confidence, affect self-esteem, and challenge the ability to be open and vulnerable. Her story reflects the difficult process of coming to terms with unexpected realities while searching for strength and self-acceptance.
Beloqui’s novel skillfully tackles the stigma surrounding HPV, a subject often relegated to silence and shame. Through the lens of Leire and Celia’s experiences, the book exposes the profound loneliness and judgment many women face, not only from society but from their own internalized voices. The narrative underlines how misinformation and societal attitudes amplify feelings of guilt and isolation. By portraying these struggles with honesty and nuance, the novel encourages readers to challenge these harmful stigmas and cultivate compassion.
At the heart of the novel is the vital role of relationships—familial, social, and romantic—in shaping healing and self-acceptance. Leire’s interactions with her family reveal the complexities of communicating about deeply personal health issues across generations, reflecting cultural and emotional pressures that many women experience. These dynamics illustrate the challenge of balancing personal vulnerability with societal expectations and the need for support.
Celia’s relationships with friends and peers further illuminate the difficulties of carrying a secret that sets her apart. The fear of rejection and misunderstanding creates a barrier to openness and honesty, intensifying her emotional confusion. Romantic relationships add another layer of tension to the story, as both Leire and Celia grapple with the delicate balance between desire and fear, trust and caution. The novel captures these intimate moments with sensitivity, allowing readers to understand the profound impact HPV can have on women’s emotional and relational lives.
Beyond the personal narratives, There’s Something I Need to Tell You is also a call to action about the importance of HPV awareness, prevention, and early intervention. The book weaves educational insights into its storytelling, emphasizing the significance of regular gynecological screenings and vaccinations in reducing HPV-related cancers. The narrative references global health initiatives, including the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer worldwide. By combining education with deeply human stories, the novel elevates awareness and encourages proactive health choices.
Ultimately, There’s Something I Need to Tell You is a story of resilience, empowerment, and hope. Leire and Celia’s intertwined journeys affirm that while HPV presents significant physical and emotional challenges, healing is possible when met with understanding, self-compassion, and support. Their stories remind readers that the path to recovery is often complex but that the human spirit can find strength in even the most difficult circumstances.
For readers seeking contemporary fiction that explores real-world health issues with emotional depth and sensitivity, this story is essential. It not only tells a gripping story of personal growth but also serves as an important conversation starter about sexual health, trust, and the power of healing. There’s Something I Need to Tell You is a compelling testament to the courage it takes to oppose stigma, rebuild trust, and reclaim one’s life.
AVAILABLE ON Barnes & Noble : https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/theres-something-i-need-to-tell-you-vega-beloqui/1147288354?ean=2940184731216
