Complicated Kindness

Nomi Nickel is a sixteen-year-old Mennonite girl living in East Village, Manitoba, who longs to hang out with Lou Reed and Marianne Faithfull in New York City's East Village. She lives with her father, Ray, a sweet yet hapless schoolteacher, and fights against the restraints of the town, longing for a future of opportunity and hope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Faber & Faber

We, the Mennonites, are often considered one of the most embarrassing sub-sects to belong to if you're a teenager. However, this perception doesn't reflect the true essence of our community.

Sixteen-year-old Nomi Nickel, like many teenagers, yearns for a sense of belonging and adventure. However, her reality is far from glamorous. She finds herself trapped in the small town of East Village, Manitoba, a place with no train station, no bar, and limited job prospects. Instead of hanging out with Lou Reed and Marianne Faithfull in the vibrant East Village of New York City, Nomi is confined to the monotony of her hometown.

Since her mother and sister left home, Nomi has been living with her father, Ray, a kind-hearted schoolteacher who tries his best to provide for his family. Despite the limitations of their town, Nomi's longing for a future filled with opportunity and hope drives her forward. She fights against the restraints of her environment and embarks on a journey that leads her to a climax that is both startling and inevitable.

Nomi's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of young people facing challenging circumstances. It highlights the importance of pursuing one's dreams and not letting societal expectations limit one's potential. Through her struggles, Nomi learns to embrace her uniqueness and find strength in her faith and community.

While Mennonites may be considered an embarrassing sub-sect by some, we are a community of individuals who value faith, family, and community. We strive to live simple lives, following the teachings of our faith and seeking to make a positive impact on the world around us. Nomi's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 197 x 178 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571341009
Edition number: Main