TEARZ AYUEN holds those in power - political, military, economic, social, sexual - to account. He exposes them, warts and all. His targets are fair game, those who harm others or themselves. Everyone who deserves a grilling gets one. No topic is too shocking or too sensitive for him to broach. There are no taboos. He rolls up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. It's dangerous work but he has the guts and the hard-hitting words to do it, through letters, pamphlets, poems - a parable and a farce even. Beatrice Murail, former BBC journalist "Laughter and Cry is brilliant; a tour de force! In this unparalleled collection of reflective essays and opinion pieces, Tearz candidly exposes deeply embedded social, political, and cultural rot ailing South Sudan, some of which date back to the era of armed struggle that eventually paved the way for Independence in 2011. Masterfully crafted, the collection is at once bold, witty and satirical. Strongly recommended." Garang Akau, Writer and Lecturer at the University of Juba.