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Nikki May’s This Motherless Land is an exquisite exploration of family, identity, and resilience, centred on Funke, a young girl uprooted from her beloved Nigeria after a tragic car accident claims her mother and brother. Sent to live with her estranged English relatives, Funke (renamed “Kate�� by her family) encounters a harsh world filled with new customs, cold treatment from her aunt Margot, and a deeply rooted sense of displacement. The only warmth in her new life comes from her cousin Liv, a spirited soul who welcomes Funke with genuine affection and excitement, forming a bond that anchors them both through years of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

This novel shines with its deeply immersive writing, skilfully capturing Funke’s longing for home and sense of “otherness�� in both England and, eventually, Nigeria when she returns as a teenager. May’s narrative is achingly beautiful, painting an honest portrayal of the challenges of mixed-race identity and the often unspoken tensions within multicultural families. The complexity of Funke and Liv’s relationship is striking; initially a refuge for Funke, Liv’s companionship grows turbulent as they navigate the difficulties of adolescence, cultural divides, and family secrets.

Funke’s resilience and inner gentleness stand out as she endures her aunt’s coldness and navigates her grandparents�� aloof affection, ultimately finding her own path amid fractured relationships and generational trauma. The setting, alternating between vibrant Lagos and subdued Somerset, becomes a character in itself, reflecting Funke’s internal struggles between her Nigerian roots and her English upbringing. May’s prose, laced with poignancy and quiet strength, evokes the contrasts of these two worlds while embracing the beauty and flaws in each.

At its heart, This Motherless Land is a story of belonging, love, and survival. It lays bare the lasting impact of generational wounds and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re drawn to character-driven narratives or cross-cultural sagas, this novel is a true masterpiece that will linger long after the last page.