In "This Motherless Land" by Nikki May, we meet Funke/Kate, a ten-year-old girl of mixed heritage. Following a devastating accident in Lagos that claimed the lives of her mother and brother, she is decisively sent to live with her mother's family in Somerset. Aunty Margot's intense loathing for Funke's late mother was projected onto Funke, affecting how she was treated and perceived. Funke and her cousin Liv, both of a similar age, found a connection as they navigated Kate's grief and Liv's pain of having an unloving mother like Margot. The bond was powerful and also cathartic.
The narrative spans two decades and explores themes of racial identity, grief, family, cultural differences, jealousy, and sisterhood.
After reading Nikki May's debut novel, "Wahala", I had high expectations for her next work, and she exceeded them. The author has a remarkable talent for immersing readers in a different setting. Having experienced both cultures first-hand, I can confidently say her depiction of their differences is accurate and well-presented.
I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate Nikki May's upcoming works.

I loved this book. I have read the author’s previous book , Wahala ,and enjoyed it so much and this one did not disappoint. I liked the authors style of writing which was non fussy and easy to follow with good humour. The comparison between the two cultures was fascinating and so illuminating. The story of the two cousins and their ensuing family lives and issues was so interesting and enjoyable. A very good read which did make you think.

I absolutely loved the author’s previous novel Wahala so was thrilled to have the opportunity to read This Motherless Land. It is a retelling of Mansfield Park but as I’ve never read the latter I had no expectations. The novel is set between Nigeria and England between the 1970s to 1990s and tells the story of two cousins Funke and Liv.
I loved the descriptions of Nigeria and Nikki May writes a beautiful immersive novel. The relationship between the cousins is sensitively portrayed and I was completely drawn into their relationship.
This was a gorgeous and compelling novel, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as Wahala but would still recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK, and the author Nikki May.
I enjoyed this book but I found it quite stressful, and almost anxiety inducing at times. Although engaging the plot was a little bit too predictable to be totally gripping. The ending also felt a bit rushed, with everything tied up conveniently and neatly without enough of a denouement. For that reason, a generous 3 stars!

I will read every single book by this author, no matter what they write!! The writing is so captivating, so beautiful and thoughtful. The characters have si much depth and you learn to love or hate them. I followed each character through their journey and ended up caring what happened to them! I love that connection, it stays with you long after you've finished reading and that is all down to the writing.

So many twists and turns, so much unfairness and quite a lot to learn about the Nigerian culture! I very much enjoyed this.

Thank you for granting me early access to this book and I apologise for the late review.
Through the dual perspectives of two cousins, This Motherless Land presents a nuanced exploration of generational trauma, reconciliation, sisterhood, and the complex landscapes of grief. Nikki May deftly captures these themes through vividly rendered characters, whose divergent yet inextricably linked journeys foster a shared resilience. While the pervasive influence of Liv’s mother occasionally felt overwhelming, the protagonists, Funke and Liv, bring a refreshing depth to the narrative, their bond portrayed with both subtlety and emotional weight.

This Motherless Land will resonate with readers drawn to multi-layered stories of familial bonds, identity, and the tensions that span generations.

This is a modern day take on Mansfield Park set between Nigeria and the UK. Honestly I think the similarities between the two are very small & limited but it was an enjoyable read.

This was a well written story exploring the culture differences between both Countries, the authors descriptive language when talking about Nigeria in particular was brilliant and I could clearly see the setting in my head as I read. This is ultimately a family saga and exploration of differences, be it cultural, privilege, societal, family dynamics etc. It is a deeply moving, emotional, heartwarming story that is both sad & very funny at times.

I thought Wahala was a brilliant book but This Motherless Land absolutely blew this out of the water. 

The book follows two cousins, Funke and Liv. Funkes life seems to be ruined when her mother and brother die in car accident. She's very quickly moved from her home in Nigeria to live with her mother's family in England, including her cousin Liv. The family don't treat Funke with the same love they do Liv and her brother, other than Liv who loves Funke like a sister. As they grow up the tension between Funke and Livs mother grows until after an incident Funke is forced to go back to Nigeria. As they both try to overcome the trials of childhood we get to see them grow separately into wonderful women. 

This book had so many twists in it I was absolutely shocked. I went in pretty blind after receiving the book on Netgalley and I was thoroughly impressed. I highly highly recommend picking this up, especially if you loved Wahala you will adore this second book

I like Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, although isn't my favourite of hers, that would be Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion, on near enough equal footing, but it's good enough. 'This Motherless Land' interested me nonetheless after giving Wahala a high star rating and it didn't disappoint.

Some re-tellings of stories work and some absolutely do not. This one actually does work and also in some ways, nicely sits alone too. It doesn't matter whether you've read Mansfield Park (although I recommend you give it a go if not and this does have a flavour of Mansfield Park throughout) or not. I feel you can read it as it is, or with that particular story by Austen in mind, either would work, so don't let that put you off.

Set in 1978 and goes onto 1986 and 1992, you can follow the lives of Funke and Liv in alternating chapters in what becomes a very compelling read. Each part starts with a fun reference to pop culture of the time. Funke's mother is British and her dad is Nigerian and all should've been well, except tragedy strikes and her mum and brother die. I must say that I like that there's a part that just calls death what it is and states that someone died, not lost, but actually died. There's something refreshing about it.

Reading about Liv is lively and she has some issues and isn't always happy in her life, so brings its own emotions carried along with it. She's a fascinating character in that she's looking for a different life from that of her family's.

It's an interesting coming of age story that weaves through, things that have a tinge of sadness, trying to find your place in the world, the friendships and relationships cultivated and betrayals that occur. There are also scenes like eaves-dropping on conversations, even when you don't quite know what it all means, that adds an air of familiarity, dare I say, and also some humour. Humour filters throughout this book in some of how things like certain tv programmes have always been viewed at certain ages and stages in life and so much more. Many aspects of growing up, pop culture and more are colourfully captured in this book.

The book takes readers to Liv and Funke into when they're entering adulthood and it's a satisfying feeling that you've seen them through the formative years of their lives. They're characters that are easy to embrace throughout, even when there's a bit of going off the rails, but by that time, the investment is there and you need to know how it all ends and whether they can survive and also enter the lives they dream of.

As well as the entertaining side of life, the more challenging side of life is well-captured too, through skilful plotting and writing, making it feel complete.

The writing is strong and paints a picture of Nigeria through the years and in some cases, its place in the world on a global stage such as certain events.

It's a vibrant read that you can just pick up on a summer's day and just take some time to relax and read and read... All in all, I highly recommend it.

When I was offered the chance to read This Motherless Land early, I immediately took it, having loved the author's debut, "Wahala".

The book opens in 1978. Nine year old Funke Oyenuga lives in Lagos with her younger brother Femi and their parents - a Nigerian Dad and English mother. When Funke's mother Lizzie dies in a terrible accident, Funke's Dad spirals and she is sent to live with her Aunt Margot in England.

Margot and Lizzie had been estranged for years, and Margot is not best pleased about the arrangement. Neither, for that matter, is Funke - she has grown up hearing stories about her mother's wealthy family in England, but the house is nothing like it was described. Funke finds it incredibly lonely and hard to adjust, until she slowly becomes close to her cousin, Liv.

The girls become closer than sisters, each one providing comfort and solace for the other as they find their place in the world amidst difficult legacies. Generational trauma, addiction, and identity come into play for one or both at various times, with both of them desperate to fit in.

When tragedy strikes again, it could tear them apart and destroy everything they've built.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of showing both the good and bad of Nigerian and English culture, with astute, witty observations on both countries and cultures. I really enjoyed the pacing, I liked how the book spanned several decades and I enjoyed the journeys both women took (both physical and personal). Liv absolutely infuriated me at times, but I assume that was intentional!

Privilege, identity, culture, class, self acceptance, forgiveness and love take centre stage in this modern retelling of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. It's a vibrant, engaging read that I'd happily recommend to anyone who enjoys a family saga.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Nikki May is proving herself a great writer of friendships and family sagas. Funke and Liv are very realistic characters, and my only frustration in the whole novel was the miscommunication that led to Funke's exile - something that never could have happened in the 21st century with mobile phones, but it did feel odd that Funke's father or Liv never tried to call via landlines. Apart from this it felt like a true-to-life exploration of messy family relationships and the complexity of racism and belonging.

I have never read a book by this author before.

This is the reworking and a modern day twist on Mansfield park by Jane Austin it’s written over 2 timelines and based in England and Nigeria.
It was really interesting read

"Easy-Read" about two loves and two nations. Funke lives in Nigeria. Her mother passes away, and her father can't take care of her. As her mother still has relatives in her home country, England, the solution is to send her there to live. As a heartbroken girl, she silently refuses. But there is one person who seems to love her right away, without hesitation. Her cousin Liv embraces Katherine (that’s her name in England) with all her heart. As they grow up, things change rapidly, except for Kate’s aunt and her son Dominic. They are both cruel towards her and want her gone. Just when Kate starts to feel comfortable in England and discovers all the opportunities it provides, the two create a plot after a big tragedy. They send her back to Africa. Meanwhile, Liv is struggling big time in her own skin. Sex, drugs, and a messed-up lifestyle are her go-tos. The whole story represents how damaging identity confusion can be. It paints a great picture of society in both countries. For my taste, the storyline itself was okay, but the writing style wasn’t really my thing. It felt like a cheap Hollywood movie, and the events were easily foreseen. But still, i would recommend the title certain people in our bookstore.

A retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, this novel offers a decolonised narrative that spans two decades across Nigeria and England. With its engaging characters and remarkable writing, it deftly interweaves dark and light themes. While it draws inspiration from Austen's work, it stands strong as an independent story, so prior knowledge of the original is not necessary. Highly recommended for its fresh perspective and captivating storytelling.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

I love a family saga and this one was excellent. It had me rooting for both main protagonists, Funke and Liv, from start to finish and I couldn't wait to get back to it every time I had to put it down. I loved the girls relationship and reading about the challenges they both faced as they moved through adolescence into adulthood. I loved reading about their lives in England and Nigeria, especially the cultural differences and the family dynamics in each setting. The wider cast of characters was fab and there were some I fell in love with and some I loved to hate. As the girls are thrown together then forced apart their journey took a few unexpected turns and was sadder than I'd anticipated at times but I consumed the sad parts as greedily as the happy parts and it's easily one of my top reads this year.

What a wonderful read. I adored this book and became totally immersed in the lives of Funke and Liv, the beautifully vivid descriptions of Nigeria and the cast of characters that brought the book to life. Funny, sad, heartwarming and ultimately full of love, I know that this will be a book I would happily recommend and read again, it was lovely. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Motherless Land by Nikki May is a gorgeous novel based between England and Nigeria, following Funke as she travels from everything she has known to adapt to life in a whole new country

Funke and Liv are cousins. Funke has joined her mothers family in England after her mother passed away and despite the frosty reception, finds a kindred spirit in Liv, despite their personality differences. The pair grow up together and this creates a beautiful story of love and loss, motherhood and identity, all supported by a deep level of connection to others and what we perceive is home

A deeply moving, eclectic and immersive piece and I absolutely adored it for its heart and authenticity

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Doubledayand Nikki May for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

In this novel - set in the 1970s, 80s and 90s - we follow Funke, a young girl growing up in Nigeria, the daughter of a Black Nigerian father and a white English mother. When her mother and brother die in a car accident, Funke is sent to live with her estranged aunt Margot, cousins Dominic and Olivia, and grandmother Dorothy in Somerset, in the house her mother Lizzie used to talk about all the time. We follow her as she is renamed Kate by her aunt's family and tries to adjust, and later returns - in complicated circumstances, but no spoiler - to Nigeria.

The plot itself was a bit... far-fetched at times, the events that led to Funke going back to Nigeria were barely believable. The characters go through seemingly unexplained changes in personality - Funke's loving father rejects her, then welcomes her back later; her cousin Olivia/Liv is a kind and lovely little girl and later a troubled and selfish teenager...Aunt Margot and cousin Dominic were a bit too caricatural in their cruelty and racism. There were a few events that I thought did not quite add up, too many convenient coincidences - I know it's a novel but I thought at times it was too outlandish.

That said, I loved many of the other characters, Funke especially - and I loved following her as she moved between cultures, each time having to re-adapt and become nearly a new person, adopting a new name and a new language, trying to blend in but not quite. Descriptions of life in Nigeria in the 70s and 90s felt warm, rich and convincing; I liked the writing. I have not read anything else by Nikki May but I would love to.

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.

Marketing this book as a retelling of Mansfield Park does it something of a disservice. The links between the two are extremely limited and as such is a little disappointing for someone hoping for a genuine post-colonial retelling of Austen's original, with its rare. though hardly elaborated, hints at the slave trade. Judging it as an original story in it's own right, it is interesting. The relationship between Funke and the estranged family of her white mother is painfully rendered with a complexity of tenderness in some cases tainted with resentment and racism. While the links to Austen are limited there's an odd hangover of Funke's inability to act when she is ousted by her aunt's cunning. It stretches credulity that her aunt, though influential, would be able to exile Funke so completely and Funke would believe that she had no power to change it. She is painted too naive, too like the sweet and pliable Fanny, in a way that jars with the modern context. Despite being billed as fiercely intelligent this is rarely demonstrated and she is passive to the point of disbelief, happy to subordinate herself to the needs of others whether she likes them or not.