27th June, 2026 in Recommended Reads

The Moon We Cannot Share by Sharif Lawrence Quiblier

“You made room for this. You held yourself quieter than you are so I could fill the space. I was aware of it and I let it continue. That is what I am most ashamed of.” Blurring memoir and fiction, The Moon We Cannot Share by Sharif Lawrence Quiblier offers an honest and convincing portrait of its protagonist, Lionel. The quoted language reveals the emotional costs that can emerge through the most well-intentioned support within subtle power dynamics that shape even our closest relationships. The novella succeeds because it never confuses certainty with understanding. Lionel’s struggles with faith, OCD, love, and belonging unfold through quiet moments rather than dramatic turning points, giving readers an authentic experience. The fragmented journey across countries and languages reflects an unsettled identity, yet the novella’s refusal to resolve every question grows into a curious strength, inviting us to find meaning within that uncertainty.