Motherlands: In Search of Our Inherited Cities

Motherlands is a remarkable literary debut that explores the idea of expulsion from our "original home" and the struggle to return to the place we fit in. It weaves memoir and cultural history through modern political history, examining notions of citizenship, statelessness, memory, and identity, and the concept of home.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A Spectator Book of the Year, "Motherlands" is a remarkable literary debut that delves into the complexities of understanding the past. Part memoir, part travelogue, the book explores the idea of expulsion from our "original home" and our ongoing struggle to reclaim our sense of belonging. Author Amaryllis Gacioppo has been raised on stories of her mother's Palermo, her grandmother's Benghazi, and her great-grandmother's Turin, but what does it mean to belong when you're unsure of where home is?

Through a seamless blend of memoir and cultural history, "Motherlands" examines the defining characteristics of the modern nation-state, questioning whether it is defined by those who thrive or by those who are not welcome. The book also explores the concept of visiting the land of one's ancestors, exploring whether it is a return to completeness, a chance to feel connected to one's roots, or merely a fantasy.

"Motherlands" heralds the arrival of a major talent that offers a fresh perspective on the world, challenging our preconceptions and opening our eyes to new ways of seeing. This thought-provoking and captivating book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the past and the complexities of contemporary identity.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526622761