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This Motherless Land
From the acclaimed author of Wahala, a “vibrant” (Charmaine Wilkerson) retelling of Mansfield Park, exploring identity, culture, race, and love.
Quiet Funke is happy in Nigeria. She loves her art teacher mother, her professor father, and even her annoying little brother (most of the time). But when tragedy strikes, she’s sent to England, a place she knows only from her mother’s stories. To her dismay, she finds the much-lauded estate dilapidated, the food tasteless, the weather grey. Worse still, her mother’s family are cold and distant. With one her cousin Liv.
Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family. She becomes fiercely protective of her little cousin, and her warmth and kindness give Funke a place to heal. The two girls grow into adulthood the closest of friends.
But the choices their mothers made haunt Funke and Liv and when a second tragedy occurs their friendship is torn apart. Against the long shadow of their shared family history, each woman will struggle to chart a path forward, separated by country, misunderstanding, and ambition.
Moving between Somerset and Lagos over the course of two decades, This Motherless Land is a sweeping examination of identity, culture, race, and love that asks how we find belonging and whether a family’s generational wrongs can be righted.
Quiet Funke is happy in Nigeria. She loves her art teacher mother, her professor father, and even her annoying little brother (most of the time). But when tragedy strikes, she’s sent to England, a place she knows only from her mother’s stories. To her dismay, she finds the much-lauded estate dilapidated, the food tasteless, the weather grey. Worse still, her mother’s family are cold and distant. With one her cousin Liv.
Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family. She becomes fiercely protective of her little cousin, and her warmth and kindness give Funke a place to heal. The two girls grow into adulthood the closest of friends.
But the choices their mothers made haunt Funke and Liv and when a second tragedy occurs their friendship is torn apart. Against the long shadow of their shared family history, each woman will struggle to chart a path forward, separated by country, misunderstanding, and ambition.
Moving between Somerset and Lagos over the course of two decades, This Motherless Land is a sweeping examination of identity, culture, race, and love that asks how we find belonging and whether a family’s generational wrongs can be righted.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 29, 2024
About the author
Nikki May
3 books481 followersBorn in Bristol and raised in Lagos, Nikki May is Anglo-Nigerian.
Her critically acclaimed debut novel WAHALA won the Comedy Women In Print New Voice Prize, was longlisted for the Goldsboro Glass Bell Award and the Diverse Books Award, and is being turned into a major BBC TV drama series.
THIS MOTHERLESS LAND is her second novel.
Nikki lives in Dorset with her husband, two standard Schnauzers and way too many books. She should be working on her third book but is probably reading.
You can follow Nikki on Twitter: @NikkiOMay
Or Instagram: @nikkimaywriter
Her critically acclaimed debut novel WAHALA won the Comedy Women In Print New Voice Prize, was longlisted for the Goldsboro Glass Bell Award and the Diverse Books Award, and is being turned into a major BBC TV drama series.
THIS MOTHERLESS LAND is her second novel.
Nikki lives in Dorset with her husband, two standard Schnauzers and way too many books. She should be working on her third book but is probably reading.
You can follow Nikki on Twitter: @NikkiOMay
Or Instagram: @nikkimaywriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 18, 2024
In a Nutshell: A loose retelling of Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’. A decolonised narrative spanning two decades in Nigeria and England. Interesting characters, amazing writing, dark and light themes interspersed. You don’t need to read the original as this one can be appreciated much better as an independent novel. Recommended!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
💐 Having complicated lead characters such as Funke and Liv always works in a character-oriented storyline. The two girls are not similar in any way except by virtue of being blood relations, so it is interesting to see how they handle the trials coming their way. Each of them grows differently over the course of the book.
💐 For a book with the word ‘motherless’ in the title, there are a surprisingly high number of mother-daughter relationships in the plot, ranging from toxic to supportive. This also includes grandmothers, close family friends who play mother-substitutes, and well-meaning but unrelated elders. The variety of the connections and their impact on the characters comes out excellently. Quite a few of these relationships bring to mind the nature vs. nurture debate, with no clear answer on which is stronger.
💐 Another dominant connection in the book is that of siblings, whether direct or cousins. The bonding, the bantering, and the bickering all get a prominent (and accurate) portrayal.
💐 Love the questions the book raises about identity. Who you are, where you belong, what is your home – all are pertinent in this increasingly global environment. It also highlights the role of choices and challenges in altering the trajectory of our life.
💐 The travails of being mixed-race or Black in the UK AND similar struggles of being mixed-race in Nigeria come out realistically without seeming over the top.
💐 The details about Nigeria, covering both the positive aspects (such as food, culture, beliefs, the friendliness of the people, and even the fabulous Afro hair styles) and the negative traits (such as the gender bias, the class divide, the corruption, the rash driving, and the infrastructure issues.) I love how we get a real taste of de-colonial Nigeria, both good and bad.
💐 Usually, books that are based in two distinct types of countries end up showing negatives of the home nation and the positives of the adopted motherland, especially if this new country of residence happens to be a white-dominant developed country (USA/UK/Australia/…). However, the author is balanced and fair in her portrayal of both countries, showing us the positive and negative side of the UK as well. I appreciate how the book portrays a well-rounded truth and also pokes fun when needed. The author’s OwnVoices credentials (she was born in Bristol and raised in Lagos) sure helped. Many Indian authors settled abroad could learn a lot from Nikki May on how to represent the truth about your country of origin without resorting to a one-sided, stereotypical depiction.
💐 The writing is powerful and thought-provoking, tackling several relevant contemporary issues such as gender discrimination, racism, white privilege, parental death, parental abuse, mental health, drug abuse, and many more. The hard-hitting points are sometimes covered in a sugary coating, but this doesn’t reduce their impact. Despite the darkish storyline, the author still manages to insert humour and light-hearted scenes into the narrative. The book isn’t exactly satirical but comes close to it in tone.
💐 As Mansfield Park had an omniscient narrator, we don't get to see how the young Fanny struggles to settle in her new abode that's so different to the one she knew before. In this aspect, the current book excels. Funke's struggle to fit into England seems true to life, with the focus not just being on the reaction of the whites to her skin colour, but also on her troubles with British food, the variation in the weather, and the maintaining of her Afro hair.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 This book is supposed to be a de-colonial retelling of Jane Austen’s novel, Mansfield Park. Being the good girl and sincere reviewer that I am 😉, I reread the Austen classic before picking this up so that I could appreciate its subtler points better. (No complaints about this, as I am a Jane Austen superfan!) But this turned out to be a very loose retelling, with barely any similarity between the two works. Other than the fact that a ten-year-old child is compelled to move into a different home and lifestyle, and that there’s an eight-year time jump after some chapters, there’s nothing else that reminded me of Mansfield Park. Thankfully, this novel has enough merit to stand on its own.
🌹 This novel has four sections, each coming from a distinct year. The first section is brilliant. Had the entire book been to that level, I would have given this a 4.5 and happily rounded up. However, the second section turned out to be too bleak for my liking, with the tragedies piling up and no sight of any hope. When every event is dismal, the story feels stuck in an overly disheartening quagmire. This section was really tough for me to get through, partly because some of the events aren’t what I enjoy reading. The remaining two sections mostly redeem the experience. (In other words, don’t give up during section two.)
🌹 A few of the characters are too stereotypical and fall in neat good/bad categories. Thankfully, the minor characters are more realistic, but I wish the secondary characters had been more layered, especially Liv’s mother.
🌹 The page count is much less than that of Austen’s novel, but a lot happens over the course of these 330-odd pages. This means that the pacing is obviously faster than the classic, but the depth is somewhat shallow. We cover a lot in brief rather than explore a few topics in detail.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The climax feels rushed. After all that build-up, I was hoping for a more satisfying finish. But the confrontation scene is barely there before we move into the HEA.
All in all, I mostly enjoyed this story. However, if I were to strictly evaluate it as a retelling, it would not fare so well as there are not more than a couple of points in common with Mansfield Park. But evaluated as an independent story, the book performs excellently.
This is the author’s sophomore novel. I haven’t read her debut work yet, but based on my experience with this one, I am definitely adding ‘Wahala’ to my list, as well as keeping an eye out for her future books.
Definitely recommended, not necessarily to Austen fans, but to readers who enjoy literary family sagas and want a culturally inclusive experience.
4 stars.
My thanks to Random Things Tours and author Nikki May for a complimentary copy of 'This Motherless Land'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1978. When ten-year-old Funke loses her mom in a car accident in Lagos, she is sent to live with her mom’s estranged family in England. Her mother’s sister isn’t so receptive to the idea of raising a mixed-race child, but Funke finds a friend in her cousin Liv. As the years pass by, Funke and Liv go through varied ups and downs, both haunted by the words and deeds of their mothers – one from the past and one in the present. Can the two girls learn to stand for themselves in a world where they are first judged by gender and skin and size?
The story comes to us from the third person perspectives of Funke and Liv, beginning in 1978 and jumping a few years over four sections until it reaches 1998.
Bookish Yays:
💐 Having complicated lead characters such as Funke and Liv always works in a character-oriented storyline. The two girls are not similar in any way except by virtue of being blood relations, so it is interesting to see how they handle the trials coming their way. Each of them grows differently over the course of the book.
💐 For a book with the word ‘motherless’ in the title, there are a surprisingly high number of mother-daughter relationships in the plot, ranging from toxic to supportive. This also includes grandmothers, close family friends who play mother-substitutes, and well-meaning but unrelated elders. The variety of the connections and their impact on the characters comes out excellently. Quite a few of these relationships bring to mind the nature vs. nurture debate, with no clear answer on which is stronger.
💐 Another dominant connection in the book is that of siblings, whether direct or cousins. The bonding, the bantering, and the bickering all get a prominent (and accurate) portrayal.
💐 Love the questions the book raises about identity. Who you are, where you belong, what is your home – all are pertinent in this increasingly global environment. It also highlights the role of choices and challenges in altering the trajectory of our life.
💐 The travails of being mixed-race or Black in the UK AND similar struggles of being mixed-race in Nigeria come out realistically without seeming over the top.
💐 The details about Nigeria, covering both the positive aspects (such as food, culture, beliefs, the friendliness of the people, and even the fabulous Afro hair styles) and the negative traits (such as the gender bias, the class divide, the corruption, the rash driving, and the infrastructure issues.) I love how we get a real taste of de-colonial Nigeria, both good and bad.
💐 Usually, books that are based in two distinct types of countries end up showing negatives of the home nation and the positives of the adopted motherland, especially if this new country of residence happens to be a white-dominant developed country (USA/UK/Australia/…). However, the author is balanced and fair in her portrayal of both countries, showing us the positive and negative side of the UK as well. I appreciate how the book portrays a well-rounded truth and also pokes fun when needed. The author’s OwnVoices credentials (she was born in Bristol and raised in Lagos) sure helped. Many Indian authors settled abroad could learn a lot from Nikki May on how to represent the truth about your country of origin without resorting to a one-sided, stereotypical depiction.
💐 The writing is powerful and thought-provoking, tackling several relevant contemporary issues such as gender discrimination, racism, white privilege, parental death, parental abuse, mental health, drug abuse, and many more. The hard-hitting points are sometimes covered in a sugary coating, but this doesn’t reduce their impact. Despite the darkish storyline, the author still manages to insert humour and light-hearted scenes into the narrative. The book isn’t exactly satirical but comes close to it in tone.
💐 As Mansfield Park had an omniscient narrator, we don't get to see how the young Fanny struggles to settle in her new abode that's so different to the one she knew before. In this aspect, the current book excels. Funke's struggle to fit into England seems true to life, with the focus not just being on the reaction of the whites to her skin colour, but also on her troubles with British food, the variation in the weather, and the maintaining of her Afro hair.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🌹 This book is supposed to be a de-colonial retelling of Jane Austen’s novel, Mansfield Park. Being the good girl and sincere reviewer that I am 😉, I reread the Austen classic before picking this up so that I could appreciate its subtler points better. (No complaints about this, as I am a Jane Austen superfan!) But this turned out to be a very loose retelling, with barely any similarity between the two works. Other than the fact that a ten-year-old child is compelled to move into a different home and lifestyle, and that there’s an eight-year time jump after some chapters, there’s nothing else that reminded me of Mansfield Park. Thankfully, this novel has enough merit to stand on its own.
🌹 This novel has four sections, each coming from a distinct year. The first section is brilliant. Had the entire book been to that level, I would have given this a 4.5 and happily rounded up. However, the second section turned out to be too bleak for my liking, with the tragedies piling up and no sight of any hope. When every event is dismal, the story feels stuck in an overly disheartening quagmire. This section was really tough for me to get through, partly because some of the events aren’t what I enjoy reading. The remaining two sections mostly redeem the experience. (In other words, don’t give up during section two.)
🌹 A few of the characters are too stereotypical and fall in neat good/bad categories. Thankfully, the minor characters are more realistic, but I wish the secondary characters had been more layered, especially Liv’s mother.
🌹 The page count is much less than that of Austen’s novel, but a lot happens over the course of these 330-odd pages. This means that the pacing is obviously faster than the classic, but the depth is somewhat shallow. We cover a lot in brief rather than explore a few topics in detail.
Bookish Nays:
🌵 The climax feels rushed. After all that build-up, I was hoping for a more satisfying finish. But the confrontation scene is barely there before we move into the HEA.
All in all, I mostly enjoyed this story. However, if I were to strictly evaluate it as a retelling, it would not fare so well as there are not more than a couple of points in common with Mansfield Park. But evaluated as an independent story, the book performs excellently.
This is the author’s sophomore novel. I haven’t read her debut work yet, but based on my experience with this one, I am definitely adding ‘Wahala’ to my list, as well as keeping an eye out for her future books.
Definitely recommended, not necessarily to Austen fans, but to readers who enjoy literary family sagas and want a culturally inclusive experience.
4 stars.
My thanks to Random Things Tours and author Nikki May for a complimentary copy of 'This Motherless Land'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
September 2, 2024
Engaging, un-putdownable a very vibrant and intoxicating read….
Nikki May is so great at writing stories that will get you riled up and interested in the characters and it is the same with this book. In The Motherless Land we are taken to Nigeria where we meet Funke and her family. She lives an idyllic life in Nigeria, with her mother, father and brother. Her father is head over heels in love with her mother and they are still happy after years of being together. Even though their relationship meant her mom was ostracized from her family in England. They’ve lived a happy life until tragedy struck and Funke is sent to live with family members she’s only heard bad things about, in a place that her mother describes as boring, grey and cold.
Funke arrives in London overcome by grief and is met with a chilly reception from her family, except for her cousin Liv. Live decides that her sole purpose will be to make Funke happy and enjoy England as much as possible. They become inseparable from childhood into adulthood, a safe space for each other, that is until a major misunderstanding happens and tragedy strikes again.
I love that the book was set in the 70s, 80s and 90s in London and Lagos and told from the perspective of the cousins. We got such an in-depth look into their characters and their
motivations. Nikki did an amazing job of exploring generational wrongs, forgiveness, sisterhood and grief. I thoroughly enjoyed Funke and Livs characters as it felt so refreshing seeing them fall into an easy friendship. I did get a bit annoyed at Liv’s mom and I felt her character got too much air time because she was so annoying.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one.
Nikki May is so great at writing stories that will get you riled up and interested in the characters and it is the same with this book. In The Motherless Land we are taken to Nigeria where we meet Funke and her family. She lives an idyllic life in Nigeria, with her mother, father and brother. Her father is head over heels in love with her mother and they are still happy after years of being together. Even though their relationship meant her mom was ostracized from her family in England. They’ve lived a happy life until tragedy struck and Funke is sent to live with family members she’s only heard bad things about, in a place that her mother describes as boring, grey and cold.
Funke arrives in London overcome by grief and is met with a chilly reception from her family, except for her cousin Liv. Live decides that her sole purpose will be to make Funke happy and enjoy England as much as possible. They become inseparable from childhood into adulthood, a safe space for each other, that is until a major misunderstanding happens and tragedy strikes again.
I love that the book was set in the 70s, 80s and 90s in London and Lagos and told from the perspective of the cousins. We got such an in-depth look into their characters and their
motivations. Nikki did an amazing job of exploring generational wrongs, forgiveness, sisterhood and grief. I thoroughly enjoyed Funke and Livs characters as it felt so refreshing seeing them fall into an easy friendship. I did get a bit annoyed at Liv’s mom and I felt her character got too much air time because she was so annoying.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one.
July 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. When Funke’s Nigerian life is tragically upended, she is unwillingly sent to live with her mother’s English family in the crumbling family mansion. Only cousin Liv offers warmth and kindness, a complete contrast to her cold and resentful aunt. After successfully integrating into English life, verging on starting medical school, manipulative Aunt Margot sends Funke back to the care of her father, who unbeknownst to her has quickly remarried and erased memories of her mother. As Funke struggles readjusting to life in Nigeria, Liv blames herself for Funke’s tragic departure and her self destructive partying lifestyle escalates. As time passes, both women have a chance to process the hurtful past. Another delightfully captivating novel by Nikki May.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
April 29, 2024
No one writes better about belonging to two cultures and belonging no where. Nikki May's second novel is written in a very different voice from Walhalla, her debut book. However she has once again brought her characters to life and made them three dimensional. By the time one finishes her book, one feels really sad to be losing the companionship of the personalities Nikki has created. There are wonderful 'extras' too like Billy the parrot who is likely to become a favourite with everyone who reads this book.
July 21, 2024
Lagos. In 1978, 9-year-old Funke’s world is torn apart when her mother and younger brother die in a car crash, and she survives unscathed. Branded a’red witch’ by her paternal grandmother, Funke is sent away to England to live with her mother’s relatives: aunt Margot and her two children, Dominic and Liv, and her grandparents.
The only person to truly welcome Funke is Liv, who is a year older and very excited to have a new cousin onboard. The rest of the family’s reception varies: her grandparents treat her with insipidity, but Dominic and Margot, especially Aunt Margot, treat Funke with great hostility.
Funke’s middle name is Katherine, so the family decides to call her Kate as she is now in England. Everything feels new: the climate, the food, the customs, and the new family ways.
From then on, Funke’s/ Kate’s life will never be the same again.
How I adored this story! Funke, a gentle and good character, endured appalling treatment
Funke was such a gentle and good character who was treated appallingly by her family, even by Liv. I was saddened to read how the women’s relationship changed when they were teenagers.
At the same time, I was glad that, over the course of time, the relationship between her and her grandparents grew to be a strong one. They doted on Funke, and that was lovely to read.
Funke didn’t know where she belonged: was it Nigeria, or was it England? She thought Nigeria was her home, and then aged nine, she had to live in England. Then, when she was a teenager, she was sent back to Nigeria and had to familiarise herself with her native country again. I think everyone would have been confused!
There were times when I was reading this book that I felt absolute outrage and disgust (mainly aimed at Margot), but there were times of happiness and love.
It’s such a beautifully written story, and it will break your heart many times.
The only person to truly welcome Funke is Liv, who is a year older and very excited to have a new cousin onboard. The rest of the family’s reception varies: her grandparents treat her with insipidity, but Dominic and Margot, especially Aunt Margot, treat Funke with great hostility.
Funke’s middle name is Katherine, so the family decides to call her Kate as she is now in England. Everything feels new: the climate, the food, the customs, and the new family ways.
From then on, Funke’s/ Kate’s life will never be the same again.
How I adored this story! Funke, a gentle and good character, endured appalling treatment
Funke was such a gentle and good character who was treated appallingly by her family, even by Liv. I was saddened to read how the women’s relationship changed when they were teenagers.
At the same time, I was glad that, over the course of time, the relationship between her and her grandparents grew to be a strong one. They doted on Funke, and that was lovely to read.
Funke didn’t know where she belonged: was it Nigeria, or was it England? She thought Nigeria was her home, and then aged nine, she had to live in England. Then, when she was a teenager, she was sent back to Nigeria and had to familiarise herself with her native country again. I think everyone would have been confused!
There were times when I was reading this book that I felt absolute outrage and disgust (mainly aimed at Margot), but there were times of happiness and love.
It’s such a beautifully written story, and it will break your heart many times.
July 31, 2024
In 1978 Funke’s mother and brother die in a car accident in Lagos, Funke is sent to live with her mother’s family in England. This is where she meets her cousin Liv and the two connect. But as they grow older can Funke and Liv move past their mothers’ relationship and stop history from repeating itself.
I absolutely adored this book and it was definitely one that I found it difficult to put down, meaning I did stay up late so I could read more. I was captivated by Funke and Liv’s story. What attracted me to this book was the idea that it was a modern day retelling of Mansfied Park which takes place in both Lagos and England.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved the writing style. I was completely absorbed by the story from the first page to the last. At times it felt like I was with Funke and Liv as their lives unfolded. It’s definitely a story that will stay with me for a while. The storyline was brilliant and heartbreaking including themes of relationships, friendships, sisterhood, betrayal, identity and racism.
The story is narrated by Funke and Liv and the reader follows them from meeting as young girls, to becoming young adults to adulthood. One thing that looms over Funke and Liv is the relationship between their mothers Lizzie and Margot. It’s clear that the sisters led very different lives but were also very different people. Lizzie is a bubbly, loving and caring person. She loves her life in Lagos with her husband and children and her life is filled with love and laughter. In contrast Margot’s life in England is very different and could be described as dull. Margot is not a cheery person, she despises Lizzie, lives off her parents wealth and has quite a jealous streak. The characteristic that Lizzie and Margot possess are in some ways inherited by their daughters Funke and Liv.
It was really quite sad to see Funke’s life changed forever when her mother passed away. She is taken away from everything that she knows and sent to live with people she has never met and doesn’t know. Lizzie’s family also are unsure about taking care of Funke and instead of treating her as her own person and as an individual, they try and get her to blend in. This includes calling her Katherine rather than Funke and treat her like a guest rather than family. The only person who treats Funke like family is Liv.
It was lovely to watch the relationship between Funke and Liv develop and see their bond grow. They go from strangers, to cousins to sisters in a short period of time and there’s a lot of love between them. Their love and friendship is tested as they grow older because their attitudes towards each other changes based on the decisions they make in particular Liv. It was horrible to see how Funke was treated and it made me really angry so I was eager to see how the story would unfold between them and if they could overcome the past.
A book that is filled with both happiness and sorrow.
I absolutely adored this book and it was definitely one that I found it difficult to put down, meaning I did stay up late so I could read more. I was captivated by Funke and Liv’s story. What attracted me to this book was the idea that it was a modern day retelling of Mansfied Park which takes place in both Lagos and England.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved the writing style. I was completely absorbed by the story from the first page to the last. At times it felt like I was with Funke and Liv as their lives unfolded. It’s definitely a story that will stay with me for a while. The storyline was brilliant and heartbreaking including themes of relationships, friendships, sisterhood, betrayal, identity and racism.
The story is narrated by Funke and Liv and the reader follows them from meeting as young girls, to becoming young adults to adulthood. One thing that looms over Funke and Liv is the relationship between their mothers Lizzie and Margot. It’s clear that the sisters led very different lives but were also very different people. Lizzie is a bubbly, loving and caring person. She loves her life in Lagos with her husband and children and her life is filled with love and laughter. In contrast Margot’s life in England is very different and could be described as dull. Margot is not a cheery person, she despises Lizzie, lives off her parents wealth and has quite a jealous streak. The characteristic that Lizzie and Margot possess are in some ways inherited by their daughters Funke and Liv.
It was really quite sad to see Funke’s life changed forever when her mother passed away. She is taken away from everything that she knows and sent to live with people she has never met and doesn’t know. Lizzie’s family also are unsure about taking care of Funke and instead of treating her as her own person and as an individual, they try and get her to blend in. This includes calling her Katherine rather than Funke and treat her like a guest rather than family. The only person who treats Funke like family is Liv.
It was lovely to watch the relationship between Funke and Liv develop and see their bond grow. They go from strangers, to cousins to sisters in a short period of time and there’s a lot of love between them. Their love and friendship is tested as they grow older because their attitudes towards each other changes based on the decisions they make in particular Liv. It was horrible to see how Funke was treated and it made me really angry so I was eager to see how the story would unfold between them and if they could overcome the past.
A book that is filled with both happiness and sorrow.
August 18, 2024
I loved Nikki May’s book Wahala, and was thrilled to receive this from NetGalley. It’s a modern day Mansfield Park, exploring cultural differences between Lagos and Somerset (unsurprisingly many) and the relationships between family members.
Funke grows up in Nigeria but after a family tragedy ends up living with her aunt and cousins in the UK. Most of the family are pretty horrid (or at least ineffective) in the face of her arrival but she finds a true connection with cousin Luv, until another tragedy tears them apart.
I loved these characters, and found this book really moving and thought provoking about identity, and the choices we make according to our upbringing and sense of family. Absolutely lovely.
Funke grows up in Nigeria but after a family tragedy ends up living with her aunt and cousins in the UK. Most of the family are pretty horrid (or at least ineffective) in the face of her arrival but she finds a true connection with cousin Luv, until another tragedy tears them apart.
I loved these characters, and found this book really moving and thought provoking about identity, and the choices we make according to our upbringing and sense of family. Absolutely lovely.
Want to read
May 22, 2024A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
June 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book!!
The story was very well done, albeit heartbreaking and tough at times, but had vivid themes of sisterhood, grief, and the struggle with belonging.
The only thing I would say is that this is a VERY loose retelling of Mansfield Park - the only real similarity being the main character moving in with their cousins at a young age. I wish it had not been described as a retelling as I was expecting something different and may have enjoyed it more as just its own story.
The story was very well done, albeit heartbreaking and tough at times, but had vivid themes of sisterhood, grief, and the struggle with belonging.
The only thing I would say is that this is a VERY loose retelling of Mansfield Park - the only real similarity being the main character moving in with their cousins at a young age. I wish it had not been described as a retelling as I was expecting something different and may have enjoyed it more as just its own story.
August 2, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a retelling of Mansfield Park, which I have not read. This did not matter, though you can still fully immerse yourself into it.
This Motherless Land is a beautifully written heartwarming story that draws you in from the start. It gives you a fascinating insight into Funke's and Liv's lives from young girls into adulthood. This is a heartbreaking and tragic tale. What both these girls were subjected to throughout brought tears to my eyes. Utterly soul destroying, but it also shows the resilience and the strong nature both the women possess to carry on. I loved how both these girls' characters developed and how they took back control over their lives.
It shows how cruel life and family can be, no matter what your culture is, where you live, or how much money you have. What I took away from this story is that we have it in us to overcome the horrors that we are subjected to. We are worthy of love and happiness. There is a brighter side to life if we seek it out and fight for it.
A heartfelt, poignant, and compelling read.
This Motherless Land is a beautifully written heartwarming story that draws you in from the start. It gives you a fascinating insight into Funke's and Liv's lives from young girls into adulthood. This is a heartbreaking and tragic tale. What both these girls were subjected to throughout brought tears to my eyes. Utterly soul destroying, but it also shows the resilience and the strong nature both the women possess to carry on. I loved how both these girls' characters developed and how they took back control over their lives.
It shows how cruel life and family can be, no matter what your culture is, where you live, or how much money you have. What I took away from this story is that we have it in us to overcome the horrors that we are subjected to. We are worthy of love and happiness. There is a brighter side to life if we seek it out and fight for it.
A heartfelt, poignant, and compelling read.
July 18, 2024
I haven't devoured a book like I did with this one, in a really really long time. I finished it in two days!
This Motherless Land is a masterpiece. Nikki May knows how to tell a good story! Funke/Kate has a Nigerian dad and British mother, and has an idylli. childhood until she loses her mother and her little brother in a tragic accident.
She then goes to live with her mother's family in England and suffers untold horrors at the hand of her Aunt Margot. Her cousin, Liv is really kind to her though and they build a beautiful relationship that transcends decades and countries.
I really really loved the plot of this book. It had great twists and turns. It was also well written and quite enjoyable. The author really captured the spirit of Nigeria in the 70s, 80s and 90s masterfully well, even writing about canon events like the Olympics in Barcelona and the Nigerian relay team that won a gold medal.
It's written from the perspective of Funke/Kate & Liv, so the reader gets to enjoy two well written perspectives that add a great richness to the plot.
This book captures everything I think a book should be. Entertaining, well written and easy to read. I do think it ended a bit abruptly and the writer could have done a better job of introducing some characters/ giving them a bit of background. At some point it was difficult to keep track of certain names and remember who they were. I also think she did a great job of handing certain 'taboo' topics like the reality ofracism that even mixed race people experience and being gay in Nigeria in the 80s/90s.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the publishers for an ARC. This did not impact my review in any way.
This Motherless Land is a masterpiece. Nikki May knows how to tell a good story! Funke/Kate has a Nigerian dad and British mother, and has an idylli. childhood until she loses her mother and her little brother in a tragic accident.
She then goes to live with her mother's family in England and suffers untold horrors at the hand of her Aunt Margot. Her cousin, Liv is really kind to her though and they build a beautiful relationship that transcends decades and countries.
I really really loved the plot of this book. It had great twists and turns. It was also well written and quite enjoyable. The author really captured the spirit of Nigeria in the 70s, 80s and 90s masterfully well, even writing about canon events like the Olympics in Barcelona and the Nigerian relay team that won a gold medal.
It's written from the perspective of Funke/Kate & Liv, so the reader gets to enjoy two well written perspectives that add a great richness to the plot.
This book captures everything I think a book should be. Entertaining, well written and easy to read. I do think it ended a bit abruptly and the writer could have done a better job of introducing some characters/ giving them a bit of background. At some point it was difficult to keep track of certain names and remember who they were. I also think she did a great job of handing certain 'taboo' topics like the reality ofracism that even mixed race people experience and being gay in Nigeria in the 80s/90s.
I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the publishers for an ARC. This did not impact my review in any way.
March 26, 2024
I adored Wahala so jumped at the chance to read this. I didnt find it quite as entertaining but the writing was still powerful, exploratory and moving.
I was drawn in by the characters who were vivid and strong which made for good reading.
I was drawn in by the characters who were vivid and strong which made for good reading.
September 4, 2024
I struggled but for only a short while to understand the characters and who’s who but they soon came to me . The story started and hooked me in from the beginning regardless . It was a beautiful book to read full of all the emotions and covering some heavy subjects such as racism , culture differences and family rifts and greed . Certain characters have you wild with anger and I promise the heart string pulls are real . You are always ring side of the main characters watching it unravel hoping it’s not too messy… but it gets real messy but you don’t lose hope … in fact you don’t put the book down and you beg for a happy ending . If you have dry eyes during this one you are made of stone .
Also what a beautiful book design ….I love the use of colour and Billy being on the front, a colourful cover suits the story well . I met Nikki May at my local bookshop and she kindly signed my copy which will remain with my treasured list , ones I’ve read loved and kept pride of place on the keepers shelf :)
Also what a beautiful book design ….I love the use of colour and Billy being on the front, a colourful cover suits the story well . I met Nikki May at my local bookshop and she kindly signed my copy which will remain with my treasured list , ones I’ve read loved and kept pride of place on the keepers shelf :)
August 8, 2024
A really engaging read that uses Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park as a jumping off point for the story. Sharing similar themes and ideas, the more modern setting establishes its own characters and plot to create a fascinating story about family and belonging. I particularly enjoyed the sections set in Lagos, which are vividly drawn, and the exploration of the lasting effects overbearing mothers can have on the family.
June 13, 2024
This Motherless Land alternates between Funke and Liv, cousins who, over the course of three decades, gradually discover they have as much in common as they do dividing them.
I was hooked from the very start of this book, and read most of it in one sitting. This Motherless Land is such a compelling story, with characters that you can’t help but care about. I found this one quite an emotional read, and the way it pulled on my heartstrings felt particularly appropriate for a Jane Austen retelling. I loved the way Nikki May puts her own spin on Mansfield Park, not just openly tackling the racism that lurks below the Jane Austen’s novel, but also questioning society’s double standards, and exploring character, romance, and family in a rich and nuanced way. I love a story about a dysfunctional family, and this one is a new favourite. I particularly appreciated the way it depicts realistic difficulties, while remaining positive and uplifting.
This Motherless Land is such a great title for this book that explores mother-child relationships and questions of national identity in such an incisive way. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to see what Nikki May writes next.
This Motherless Land is out on 18 July. Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for an advance copy.
I was hooked from the very start of this book, and read most of it in one sitting. This Motherless Land is such a compelling story, with characters that you can’t help but care about. I found this one quite an emotional read, and the way it pulled on my heartstrings felt particularly appropriate for a Jane Austen retelling. I loved the way Nikki May puts her own spin on Mansfield Park, not just openly tackling the racism that lurks below the Jane Austen’s novel, but also questioning society’s double standards, and exploring character, romance, and family in a rich and nuanced way. I love a story about a dysfunctional family, and this one is a new favourite. I particularly appreciated the way it depicts realistic difficulties, while remaining positive and uplifting.
This Motherless Land is such a great title for this book that explores mother-child relationships and questions of national identity in such an incisive way. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to see what Nikki May writes next.
This Motherless Land is out on 18 July. Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for an advance copy.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 14, 2024Not for me. I didn't love the writing and the things characters would say seemed completely over the top and unrealistic.
September 4, 2024
Literally couldn't put this down and fell for all the characters SO hard !!
September 3, 2024
Niet alles wat ik ervan had gehoopt. Ik vond de verschillende culturen en het overt/covert racisme wel heel goed gedaan, en een interessante twist op Mansfield Park, maar ik vond het op punten net iets te cliche of te makkelijk.
July 18, 2024
What an amazing book! I totally loved it! I was hooked straight away, though I cried through most of it 😅
May's ability to find the small details about people, places and emotions that really gets to their core is masterful. Her descriptions of England and Nigeria were rich and transporting, I cannot speak to the accuracy of her depiction of Lagos, but the English parts of the book were spot on. I loved the mix of cultures in Funke's chapters, particularly the descriptions of the Nigerian food, I am very keen to try some now for myself.
I loved the plot, it had elements that were expected and some that were not, which allowed me to enjoy pay off but also surprises. I was impressed by the way grief was dealt with and how it never truly leaves us, we just learn to live with it, it felt compassionate but also hopeful.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I must say thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Nikki May for the ARC, it's been an absolute joy to read and review.
May's ability to find the small details about people, places and emotions that really gets to their core is masterful. Her descriptions of England and Nigeria were rich and transporting, I cannot speak to the accuracy of her depiction of Lagos, but the English parts of the book were spot on. I loved the mix of cultures in Funke's chapters, particularly the descriptions of the Nigerian food, I am very keen to try some now for myself.
I loved the plot, it had elements that were expected and some that were not, which allowed me to enjoy pay off but also surprises. I was impressed by the way grief was dealt with and how it never truly leaves us, we just learn to live with it, it felt compassionate but also hopeful.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I must say thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Nikki May for the ARC, it's been an absolute joy to read and review.
August 24, 2024
Funke's peaceful childhood in Lagos is shattered when her mother and brother die in a car accident. Her distraught father sends her to in England to live her mother's family - the family who disowned her when she married a Nigerian man. The family is distant and her aunt treats her like a burden. The only shining light is her cousin Liv, who becomes her saving grace. Told from altering perspectives over 4 time periods, the story follows Funke and Liv as they navigate adulthood, changing cultures, and mother's.
I loved Nikki May's first novel and I was so excited for her sophmore book, oh boy this did not disappoint. Both Liv and Funke struggle with the absence of a mothers love - Funke because her mother is dead and Liv because her mother is overly critical, bitter, and awful. The portrayal of dysfunctional families in both Nigeria and England was so well done, I loved how both girls were missing the same love, attention, and positive affirmation, and how that manifested differently in both of them. Racism is also a key theme and I loved the character development over the years. When Funke arrives in England she is told her name is too hard and she should just use Kate, her middle name. She is sent to the public school whil Liv goes to a private school. Funke's clothes are all second hand and she doesn't join clubs because she doesn't want to be a bother, while Liv has the best of everything and joins dozens of clubs. And while Liv doesn't recognise these things as a child, her reflections as an adult (along with attitudes changing significantly from the 70s to the late 90s) were emotional to read. Likewise Funke struggles not feeling British enough and then not feeling Nigerian enough when she returns to Nigeria, the little things she does sets her apart in both places. When Liv travels to Nigeria she also faces discrimination and a culture shock. May has done a wonderful job of showing the ways the cultures are different but how humans are the same, how our perspective can shape our worlds, and how individuals deal with mental pain and trauma. I adored these characters and loved Funke and Liv. I love the mix of humour and deeply emotional events, and I love how much of the Nigerian culture is included in the story. I really hope Nikki May is already working on another book because I want to read it already!
I loved Nikki May's first novel and I was so excited for her sophmore book, oh boy this did not disappoint. Both Liv and Funke struggle with the absence of a mothers love - Funke because her mother is dead and Liv because her mother is overly critical, bitter, and awful. The portrayal of dysfunctional families in both Nigeria and England was so well done, I loved how both girls were missing the same love, attention, and positive affirmation, and how that manifested differently in both of them. Racism is also a key theme and I loved the character development over the years. When Funke arrives in England she is told her name is too hard and she should just use Kate, her middle name. She is sent to the public school whil Liv goes to a private school. Funke's clothes are all second hand and she doesn't join clubs because she doesn't want to be a bother, while Liv has the best of everything and joins dozens of clubs. And while Liv doesn't recognise these things as a child, her reflections as an adult (along with attitudes changing significantly from the 70s to the late 90s) were emotional to read. Likewise Funke struggles not feeling British enough and then not feeling Nigerian enough when she returns to Nigeria, the little things she does sets her apart in both places. When Liv travels to Nigeria she also faces discrimination and a culture shock. May has done a wonderful job of showing the ways the cultures are different but how humans are the same, how our perspective can shape our worlds, and how individuals deal with mental pain and trauma. I adored these characters and loved Funke and Liv. I love the mix of humour and deeply emotional events, and I love how much of the Nigerian culture is included in the story. I really hope Nikki May is already working on another book because I want to read it already!
July 23, 2024
Having absolutely loved May’s previous book, Wahala, I was really looking forward to this, billed as a retelling of Mansfield Park, and it proved to be another fabulous read thanks to May’s ability to bring people and places to life in glorious technicolour whilst also tackling some thought-provoking issues around belonging and cultural differences.
It is the story of Funke, born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and an English mother. Her mother was disowned by her family when she chose to marry a Nigerian - despite never having met that side of the family, when tragedy strikes, Funke is sent to England to live with them. A somewhat dysfunctional family, the only person happy to have her there is her cousin Liv and as Funke strives to fit into an unfamiliar and often hostile environment they form a strong bond - until a catastrophic event sees Funke sent back to Nigeria where once again she must battle against feeling like an outsider and rebuild her life. Meanwhile Liv also faces her own battles with her complicated family and her life begins to spiral out of control.
It is a story of the human need to belong and as such it tugs at your heart as you feel for both Funke and Liv as they each try to come to terms with their past and move forward in their very different but intertwined lives - but there is so much hopefulness too. May writes from personal experience about the challenges of straddling two different cultures and captures it all so well - beautifully written and utterly engaging, May has knocked it out of the park once again!
It is the story of Funke, born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and an English mother. Her mother was disowned by her family when she chose to marry a Nigerian - despite never having met that side of the family, when tragedy strikes, Funke is sent to England to live with them. A somewhat dysfunctional family, the only person happy to have her there is her cousin Liv and as Funke strives to fit into an unfamiliar and often hostile environment they form a strong bond - until a catastrophic event sees Funke sent back to Nigeria where once again she must battle against feeling like an outsider and rebuild her life. Meanwhile Liv also faces her own battles with her complicated family and her life begins to spiral out of control.
It is a story of the human need to belong and as such it tugs at your heart as you feel for both Funke and Liv as they each try to come to terms with their past and move forward in their very different but intertwined lives - but there is so much hopefulness too. May writes from personal experience about the challenges of straddling two different cultures and captures it all so well - beautifully written and utterly engaging, May has knocked it out of the park once again!
July 23, 2024
Funke was born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and English mother. In the wake of a tragedy, she is sent to England to live with her mum's family, despite them having disowned her when she married Funke's dad. It is a huge culture shock, plus she doesn't feel fully accepted by most of the family, except for her cousin Liv who being similar in age is quick to connect.
All is going great for a while, until they are hit by another tragic event and Funke is sent back to Nigeria. Feeling like she had finally settled in England, coming back to Nigeria feels like starting again and Funke really struggles to rebuild her life. We also follow Liv back in England as she tries to rebuild her life without Funke around.
I really enjoyed this. Following Funke and Liv after the tragic event that separates them as they both try to put their lives back together, it shows how no matter your differences, there is always some way to make a strong connection with other people, despite external pressures. They are very different characters, but also very likeable and it was great to see their relationship develop in this beautifully written, engaging story.
All is going great for a while, until they are hit by another tragic event and Funke is sent back to Nigeria. Feeling like she had finally settled in England, coming back to Nigeria feels like starting again and Funke really struggles to rebuild her life. We also follow Liv back in England as she tries to rebuild her life without Funke around.
I really enjoyed this. Following Funke and Liv after the tragic event that separates them as they both try to put their lives back together, it shows how no matter your differences, there is always some way to make a strong connection with other people, despite external pressures. They are very different characters, but also very likeable and it was great to see their relationship develop in this beautifully written, engaging story.
August 28, 2024
If anyone is looking for a truly amazing book to read, I highly recommend this one by Nikki May, who was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to come to our book club last night and tell us all about it!
I haven't yet read Nikki's debut novel, Wahala, but I'd heard wonderful things about it, so I was so excited to read this one and it did not disappoint.
Built from the foundations of Mansfield Park (note it is not a direct retelling, just built on the premise of being torn away from everything you know and love), it explores the challenges and heartbreak of being ripped from the place you call home. Poor Funke loses her beloved, kind (British) mother in a tragic car accident in Nigeria, and her father (Nigerian), consumed by grief, is unable to care for her, so Funke is sent to live with her horrid Aunt and indifferent grandparents in England, whom she had never met and has nothing in common with (they even change her name to Katherine or Kate). The only saving grace is her spirited and well-meaning cousin Liv.
Told in four sections (four periods of time), and alternating between Liv and Funke's perspective, this is a beautiful read. I learned so much about Nigerian culture and the experience of being a bi-racial child in England in the late 1970's/early 1980's. At times heart breaking, at times uproariously funny, this is an incredible book, with strong female characters. This Motherless Land also tackles important topics such as grief, abandonment and racism 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I haven't yet read Nikki's debut novel, Wahala, but I'd heard wonderful things about it, so I was so excited to read this one and it did not disappoint.
Built from the foundations of Mansfield Park (note it is not a direct retelling, just built on the premise of being torn away from everything you know and love), it explores the challenges and heartbreak of being ripped from the place you call home. Poor Funke loses her beloved, kind (British) mother in a tragic car accident in Nigeria, and her father (Nigerian), consumed by grief, is unable to care for her, so Funke is sent to live with her horrid Aunt and indifferent grandparents in England, whom she had never met and has nothing in common with (they even change her name to Katherine or Kate). The only saving grace is her spirited and well-meaning cousin Liv.
Told in four sections (four periods of time), and alternating between Liv and Funke's perspective, this is a beautiful read. I learned so much about Nigerian culture and the experience of being a bi-racial child in England in the late 1970's/early 1980's. At times heart breaking, at times uproariously funny, this is an incredible book, with strong female characters. This Motherless Land also tackles important topics such as grief, abandonment and racism 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 17, 2024
This is a story of what jealousy can do to a family
We follow Funke mixed race girl raised in Nigeria until her mom and brother Femi die in a car accident at age 9. Her father decide that it would be better for her to be sent to the England to live with her British side of the family as her father battles depression.
During time Funke lives in England her name get changed to Kate/Katerine everything she knew as the norm, no longer applies to living in the west. She now needs to adapt to the English way of living. She fosters a unique bond with her cousin Liv who become her mouthpiece and the only person in the English family that made an effort to show her love.
At 18 Kate (funke) was sent back to Nigeria after she and her cousins were involved in another road accident, her cousin Dom dumped the blame on her without Liv's knowledge given his
Mom had all the ammunition, she needed to banish Kate back to Nigeria.
Life start all over again for Kate, will life ever give her a break. In Nigeria she can't be Kate she needs to be Funke and she does her best to adapt
Years pass by and fate brings Liv and Funke together in Nigeria, this encounter reveals all the dirty secrets Olivia mother hid and unfair treatment funke endured!
Read the book to enjoy this heartfelt story, a definite must-read!
We follow Funke mixed race girl raised in Nigeria until her mom and brother Femi die in a car accident at age 9. Her father decide that it would be better for her to be sent to the England to live with her British side of the family as her father battles depression.
During time Funke lives in England her name get changed to Kate/Katerine everything she knew as the norm, no longer applies to living in the west. She now needs to adapt to the English way of living. She fosters a unique bond with her cousin Liv who become her mouthpiece and the only person in the English family that made an effort to show her love.
At 18 Kate (funke) was sent back to Nigeria after she and her cousins were involved in another road accident, her cousin Dom dumped the blame on her without Liv's knowledge given his
Mom had all the ammunition, she needed to banish Kate back to Nigeria.
Life start all over again for Kate, will life ever give her a break. In Nigeria she can't be Kate she needs to be Funke and she does her best to adapt
Years pass by and fate brings Liv and Funke together in Nigeria, this encounter reveals all the dirty secrets Olivia mother hid and unfair treatment funke endured!
Read the book to enjoy this heartfelt story, a definite must-read!
June 16, 2024
people-pleaser funke lives happily in nigeria with her parents and little brother. but when a tragic accident upends her life, the young girl moves to england to live with the family she's never met. her vivacious cousin liv takes funke under her wing, but the oppressive racism of england makes funke's assimilation impossible, and the cousins move in and out of each other's lives as they each seek peace and acceptance.
i haven't read mansfield park, but even without that context, this stands alone as a truly excellent novel. its strongest quality is its evocations of cultural clash: the british snobbery and unspoken class rules, as well as the very-spoken racism, but also the food, clothes, weather... both england and nigeria were incredibly vivid settings which felt like characters in their own rights. i was also completely gripped by funke's journey, as she is constantly rebuffed by racism and sexism, yet quietly pursues her dreams. the midpoint tragedy was so inevitable, but also so heartbreaking, that i had to take a break from the book to calm down. i loved her character. i did struggle with liv: she's so unrelentingly selfish, even though she doesn't mean to be, that i found her sections hard to read, and at times it felt like she barely changed. funke's story kept me going through liv's, but i wish i'd liked her more. i also struggled with the antagonist of the story - i won't say more to avoid spoilers - who was so completely awful that it felt slightly pantomime-y. for a story about family legacy, understanding her more might have helped. but the ending was so satisfying that i didn't mind this too much.
thank you netgalley for this review arc.
i haven't read mansfield park, but even without that context, this stands alone as a truly excellent novel. its strongest quality is its evocations of cultural clash: the british snobbery and unspoken class rules, as well as the very-spoken racism, but also the food, clothes, weather... both england and nigeria were incredibly vivid settings which felt like characters in their own rights. i was also completely gripped by funke's journey, as she is constantly rebuffed by racism and sexism, yet quietly pursues her dreams. the midpoint tragedy was so inevitable, but also so heartbreaking, that i had to take a break from the book to calm down. i loved her character. i did struggle with liv: she's so unrelentingly selfish, even though she doesn't mean to be, that i found her sections hard to read, and at times it felt like she barely changed. funke's story kept me going through liv's, but i wish i'd liked her more. i also struggled with the antagonist of the story - i won't say more to avoid spoilers - who was so completely awful that it felt slightly pantomime-y. for a story about family legacy, understanding her more might have helped. but the ending was so satisfying that i didn't mind this too much.
thank you netgalley for this review arc.
July 22, 2024
I adored Nikki Mary's debut novel, Wahala a couple of years ago, so I was thrilled to be invited to read her new book, This Motherless Land. Thank you Random House UK for the ARC.
Funke has a happy life in Nigeria with her parents and younger brother. But when tradegy strikes she is sent to England to live with her mother's family.
Although this book deals with some difficult themes, the author dealt with them well and I found it a pleasure to read. I loved the descriptions of life in Nigeria, which was vibrant and full of energy. It was interesting seeing the UK through the eyes of young Funke. In contrast to Nigeria the UK appeared dull and grey.
I really enjoyed how the relationship evolved between cousins, Liv and Funke. They developed a beautiful friendship that transcends cultural differences and family troubles. This is a captivating but emotional story that pulled on my heart strings throughout.
Funke has a happy life in Nigeria with her parents and younger brother. But when tradegy strikes she is sent to England to live with her mother's family.
Although this book deals with some difficult themes, the author dealt with them well and I found it a pleasure to read. I loved the descriptions of life in Nigeria, which was vibrant and full of energy. It was interesting seeing the UK through the eyes of young Funke. In contrast to Nigeria the UK appeared dull and grey.
I really enjoyed how the relationship evolved between cousins, Liv and Funke. They developed a beautiful friendship that transcends cultural differences and family troubles. This is a captivating but emotional story that pulled on my heart strings throughout.
July 28, 2024
Funke lives in Nigeria with her Nigerian father, English mother and younger brother Femi. After a tragic accident Funke's father decides to send her to live with her mother's family in Somerset. Funke has never had any contact with her mother's family as they disowned her after her marriage. Arriving in England she met with indifference and the only person who takes any interest in her is her cousin Liv. They become firm friends and Funke, now known as Kate, eventually settles down in her new home. Just as Funke is about to start Medical School, another tragic accident results in her being sent back to live in Nigeria. Poor Funke now has to readjust once again to living in a strange environment. Liv in the meantime is lurching from one dead end job to another and is confused as to why her cousin left so abruptly.
I enjoyed Nikki May's previous novel, Wahala and was delighted to receive an advanced copy of This Motherless Land. This too was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed Nikki May's previous novel, Wahala and was delighted to receive an advanced copy of This Motherless Land. This too was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 18, 2024
So much more than I expected!
Told over a period of time I enjoyed our exploration of Funke's life, from family to culture you get to go along on an adventure as this character is thrown into the unknown after being uprooted and moved to England. I felt a connection to Funke, maybe its that we were both uprooted early in life to move to England, but this is a character I feel like we can all relate too in some way shape or form.
This story had so many interesting twists and turns and while at the heart of it it was a beautiful story there's is definitely some tough topics and times that I cried while reading this. May has a a way with her words so be prepared to be transported around the globe as you devour this novel, this read felt vivd and real and I could not put it down for even a second.
Told over a period of time I enjoyed our exploration of Funke's life, from family to culture you get to go along on an adventure as this character is thrown into the unknown after being uprooted and moved to England. I felt a connection to Funke, maybe its that we were both uprooted early in life to move to England, but this is a character I feel like we can all relate too in some way shape or form.
This story had so many interesting twists and turns and while at the heart of it it was a beautiful story there's is definitely some tough topics and times that I cried while reading this. May has a a way with her words so be prepared to be transported around the globe as you devour this novel, this read felt vivd and real and I could not put it down for even a second.
July 20, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Funke is forced from her happy life in Nigeria to cold England after a tragedy. Her family in England don't want her there except cousin Liv who goes out of her way to be a friend. They grow close but over the years its torn apart by jealousy, greed and misunderstanding. Can things ever work out.
Wow this was so good. Its a retelling of Mansfield park which I have yet to read so was able to appreciate it for what it was rather than its link to the original. The story takes us from the past to the present and from England to Nigeria which just adds so much depth to the story. The plot was easy to follow and very well written. The details and emotions were so on point. I found the differing descriptions of both locations so fascinating. Liv and Funke are each amazing in their own right and I enjoyed their journeys. The ending was perfect, ending the story just how it should. A brilliant read,
Funke is forced from her happy life in Nigeria to cold England after a tragedy. Her family in England don't want her there except cousin Liv who goes out of her way to be a friend. They grow close but over the years its torn apart by jealousy, greed and misunderstanding. Can things ever work out.
Wow this was so good. Its a retelling of Mansfield park which I have yet to read so was able to appreciate it for what it was rather than its link to the original. The story takes us from the past to the present and from England to Nigeria which just adds so much depth to the story. The plot was easy to follow and very well written. The details and emotions were so on point. I found the differing descriptions of both locations so fascinating. Liv and Funke are each amazing in their own right and I enjoyed their journeys. The ending was perfect, ending the story just how it should. A brilliant read,
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