This Motherless Land by Nikki May

When nine year old Funke's mum and brother are killed in a car accident in Lagos she is sent to England to live with relatives she has never met and is forced to fit in with their culture, even down to being called by her middle name, Kate. But her cousin Liv befriends and protects her, and they become inseparable, until tragedy strikes again when Funke is eighteen.

This book is absolute perfection, I loved it so much. Wonderful characters, fabulous details of culture, food and sayings, so vibrant, funny and poignant.. I raced through it and didn't want it to end - one of my favourites of the year! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

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.

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.

The Motherless Land is the second novel I have read by Nikki May, the first being Wahala - which I really enjoyed so was really pleased to get a chance to read this and was looking forward to it.
This story starts with us meeting Funke living in Nigeria as a young girl, without giving spoilers away, her circumstances suddenly change and she finds herself living in England with her mums family - which doesn't go very well. This is a book about family, love, loss and adapting to the world. The book has some unsavoury characters who unfortunately for Funke are related to her, not very nice to her and doesn't make the transition easy. Funke as a character I absolutely loved and also adored Nikki's writing, the flow, the story line and how she is able to transition you from one country to a completely different one and still make you feel as if you were there living and breathing it too. The difference between Nigeria and England is a major topic as well as race/racism, whether micro or blatant, interracial relationships, money, family and greed. Along the way there is of course some laughter, love and betrayal. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending. Hope to see some new stuff from Nikki again soon!

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.

Wahala was amazing, brilliant and I read it twice! Now this… AMAZING, BRILLIANT, and I think I’m going to read it at least 3 times! Fantastic.
Sign me up for the series immediately!
Nikki May smashed her 2nd novel!

Because I had enjoyed this author’s first book Wahala I was really looking forward to this, her new one.

Funke lives with her English mother, Nigerian father and younger brother in Nigeria. She is happy and carefree, but her idyllic childhood comes to an abrupt end when her mother and brother are killed. Her father, unable to cope, packs her off the England to live with her mother’s sister. This is a woman Funke hasn’t met but who obviously has no time for children, not even her own. She immediately renames her Kate because a Nigerian name just will not do. The country is cold, the house is cold, her aunt is cold and the only bright spot is her cousin Liv who has desperately wanted a sister all her life.

I really enjoyed the first few chapters of this book with its vivid portrayal of life in Nigeria but, quite honestly, as soon as Funke meets Aunt Margot the gloom descended and I came to a stuttering stop. I found it all just too depressing and gave up about a third of the way in.

The writing can’t be faulted, as Ms May really does paint pictures with words, it’s just this time it’s too bleak. Having said that, I’m prepared to accept that maybe I was just wasn’t in the right mood, so I will go back to it sometime and see if I can settle into it. In the meantime, I can only give this a somewhat neutral rating at 3*

An enjoyable read that beautifully wove British and Nigerian heritages together. It highlighted how both could experience bigotry.

Amazing book. Accurately captures the multi-faceted dilemmas of fitting in and being true to yourself. Explores the meaning of belonging and home. A fabulous read, with relatable characters. I didn't want it to end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review.

i quite enjoyed this but it didn't seem much like Mansfield Park to me,

The story is good, not too involved, fairly believable, there are difficulties and misunderstandings (some are huge) and some moments of tension, especially when Liv goes to Nigeria and keeps just missing the person she has come to find.. The characters are well drawn, you feel quite involved with them and invested in how it all works out. I felt that the ending was a bit pat and tidy though.

It is interesting to learn about Nigeria (I have read a few books recently with connexions to Nigeria and although the guidebook mentioned is fictional, I think many people might agree that it would not be a soothing place for a holiday! It is always interesting too to see that in other countries things like toxic masculinity, the patriarchy and racism are more commonplace and almost accepted than we might think.

It's a quick read with interesting characters and settings.

recently had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of a brilliant book, and it was truly a wild and delightful ride. The writing was fantastic, and the storytelling was exceptional. The characters were beautifully crafted, and the way they evolved and integrated into their new home despite the challenges they faced as migrants was truly inspiring. I'm definitely purchasing a copy when the book is released. Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for providing the ARC.

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.

3. 5 🌟
It's an emotional, heartbreaker that will leave you with all the feels. I enjoyed my time with it but readers of Wahala be warned that this is not as thrilling as that debut. It's more a quit unravel set in the 90s in Nigeria and England. It's still however tackles themes of sisterhood and the bonds between women. The beuty and harm that can result from such relationships.

CW: racism, grief, abandonment, addiction.

Fantastic Read! will certainly be purchasing when release, fantastic writing, BEAUTIFUL cover, and a fantastic story!

Will certainly recommend!!

A dificult read at times but an authentic story, told well.
I loved Funke.
One comment though. The huge spoiler in the blurb/promo texts really did spoil the early part story for me - knowing what is going to happen to Funke's family circumstance - and I'm not sure why it would have been included.
A fabulous book.
Highly recommend

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 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.

This Motherless Land is a touching story about family, identity, and resilience. It follows Funke, who moves from Nigeria to the UK. Despite facing racism and cultural differences, Funke shows strength in adapting to her new life.
Overall, it's a heartwarming tale of overcoming challenges and finding one's place in the world.

When Funke’s English mother dies and her father suffers a subsequent breakdown, she is sent away from Nigeria, the only home she’s ever known, to live with the family who disowned her mother for marrying a Black man… In a small English town unwilling to accept its own racism, Funke now “Kate” somehow seems to thrive against all odds - until she’s betrayed by her cousins…

I enjoyed this book though the ending became clear ⅔ of the way through, and I found myself just waiting for the inevitable.

Things I liked:
- The descriptions of Nigeria
- Funke’s resilience
- The dual perspective narrative
- The tongue-in-cheek elements of upending the ideas of what makes a culture (un-)civilised

Things I liked less:
- Liv
- Liv’s brother
- Liv’s mum

I really enjoyed reading this book it has everything like drama, love, friendship and forgiveness. Following Funke's life from Nigeria to UK and then seeing how she adapted herself to a new environment and a new family and then following her back to Nigeria and readapting herself to what once she knew but not anymore it felt almost like a rollercoaster of emotions. But I loved Liv's personality as well and I loved seeing how her life was influenced by everything that happened around her and still finding happiness in the end (I am happy she found it).

I loved this book even though at times it is quite upsetting what families can do to each other especially when there is money involved. Funke lives in Nigeria with her family. Her mother is from the UK and meets her Nigerian husband and they move to live in his homeland. Everything is good. Funke and her brother Femi are happy. A tragedy happens to change Funke’s life forever. Funke is sent to the UK to be with her mother’s family. She does not understand how her father could abandon her but being so young does not understand the depths of grief. Funke remembers the stories of Lizzie’s home and is shocked when it is nothing like them. She moves in with her mother’s sister, Margot, Margot’s two children and grandparents. Funke is treated like a second class citizen except for Liv who is happy to have a sister. They even refuse to call her Funke and revert to Katherine (Kate) which is Funke’s middle name something else she does not understand. Funke realises that being mixed race is not going to help her settle. Her mother’s family are distant and try to ignore her. Life goes on and the years pass unhappily. Funke does well at school and is due to go to Bristol University to train as a doctor. The end of year Ball changes everything. Funke is sent back to Nigeria. Margot lies to her, her daughter and even her mother, Dorothy. The book revs up and the story is about Liv messing up her life, Funke doing well in hers. It comes to light that Margot lied all those years ago which set Liv especially on a life of self destruction. Years move on and the truth comes out and things for Liv and Funke heal. The loved to two main characters of the book and wonder if this could make a good series for TV.