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This Motherless Land

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This Motherless Land

By: Nikki May
Narrated by: Weruche Opia, Florence Howard
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

When Funke’s mother dies in a tragic accident in Lagos, she’s sent to live with her maternal family in England. Traumatised by grief and against a backdrop of condescension and mild neglect, conformist Funke strives to fit in, determined to become one of them.

Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family, resolved to be nothing like them. Fiercely protective of Funke, she at last has a purpose. And an ally. The two cousins give each other what they need most: love.

But the past casts long shadows and the choices made by their mothers haunt Funke and Liv, shaping the trajectory of their adult lives. Can they escape their legacy?

Witty, warm, hugely entertaining, This Motherless Land bridges three decades and two continents, delving into the thorny territories of race and culture and belonging. At its heart is a story about love and how it can make the difference between surviving and thriving.

'Beautiful, bold and addictive' DAISY BUCHANAN

©2024 Nikki May (P)2024 Penguin Audio African American Coming of Age Family Life Genre Fiction Heartfelt Witty Tear-jerking

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Critic reviews

"A vibrant coming-of-age story that explores loss, longing, and belonging in a multicultural family. I never stopped believing in the bond between troubled cousins Funke and Liz, despite their cultural differences. This Motherless Land paints a memorable picture of a British-Nigerian girl struggling with loss and identity amid two cultures." -- Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

"A gripping and poignant family saga that illuminates the lasting bond between two extraordinary cousins. I was completely immersed in this entrancing story." -- Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest

"This Motherless Land takes Nikki May's writing to new heights. It's a novel about so many things - identity, belonging and acceptance; sisterhood, family and forgiveness - all wrapped up in the most compulsive and moving story. Funke and Liv gripped me from the start and didn't let go - their bond proves, across continents and decades, through adversity, prejudices and sacrifice, that love has the power to save a life again and again. Deeply emotional and wildly entertaining, this is a novel to treasure." -- Emma Stonex, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lamplighters
All stars
Most relevant  
Really enjoyed this and the narration was excellent
Great characters and story
Please write some more books Nikki May

Absolutely brilliant

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Absolutely adored this book from the very start. Truly remarkable writing and so beautifully narrated! The two main characters were captivating. Highly recommend!

Outstanding

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I loved this book - memorable and I can’t wait for the next one. I woke in the middle of the night to keep listening to

Authentic characters and did not want to put down

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Really enjoyed listening to this the narration was perfect. The story was so enjoyable I’ll miss it!

Great story

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I loved the different cultures in this book. I liked the 2 readers. The fact that Funke accent was Nigerian made it come to life much better than it would by just reading it myself. It was heart warming and interesting and I would definitely recommend it.

Loved this audiobook

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This was an evocative, beautifully written and narrated novel that gripped me from start to finish. The voice actors did a fantastic job bringing both characters and place to life. As a Nigerian born and British raised woman, much of the story and the depiction of life in both countries resonated with me deeply. Absolutely loved it.

Poignant and compelling

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I could not stop listening! Not great when you listen to audiobooks to help you fall asleep but you become so invested in the story that you don’t want to sleep! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Loved it

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Not keen on Nigeria after the observations about the Country and how they look down on women of any colour

Strength and endurance

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I was deeply immersed in this story. Every character 3 dimensional and alive in the words. The locations rendered beautifully. And possibly the evilest villain ever! Social drama elevated. Might go back to the beginning and listen again.

Fabulous. Thoroughly entertaining (and notes of Austen).

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very sad in places, but this is such a good story. I loved it! I'll be honest, I don't think I've read what this is based on, but my enjoyment wasn't affected. Great characters, gripping story.

Very enjoyable!!

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