This Motherless Land : A Novel – Nikki May

This Motherless Land by Nikki May reimagines Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park through a modern, multicultural lens, weaving a poignant tale of two cousins bound by tragedy and separated by culture. Funke, a Nigerian girl uprooted to England after a family loss, struggles to adapt to a cold, unfamiliar world. Her cousin Liv, though raised in privilege, feels stifled by her family’s emotional distance. Their bond becomes a lifeline, but generational secrets and societal divides threaten to tear them apart.

Spanning two decades and shifting between Somerset and Lagos, the novel explores identity, race, and belonging with warmth and depth. Funke’s journey—from her vibrant life in Nigeria to the austerity of England—mirrors Liv’s quest to break free from her stifling upbringing. May’s prose captures the clash of cultures, the weight of family legacies, and the resilience of love across borders.

The story delves into themes of motherhood, loss, and the search for home, asking whether fractured families can ever truly heal. Funke’s artistic spirit and Liv’s rebellious heart collide with societal expectations, revealing the complexities of loyalty and sacrifice. Secondary characters, from Funke’s grieving father to Liv’s enigmatic aunt, add layers to this richly textured saga.

May’s writing balances wit and emotional gravity, infusing moments of joy—like Lagos markets or English countryside picnics—with heart-wrenching setbacks. The novel’s climax hinges on a revelation that reshapes both women’s understanding of their past, offering a glimmer of hope without tidy resolutions.

A celebration of Black British and Nigerian heritage, This Motherless Land challenges stereotypes while honoring the universal need for connection. It’s a story about finding light in darkness, the bonds that defy distance, and the courage to redefine “home.”