In her sophomore novel, This Motherless Land, Nikki May delves deep into the complex terrain of cultural identity, family bonds, and the lasting impact of maternal absence. Following her critically acclaimed debut Wahala, May returns with a poignant reimagining of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park that transcends its source material to tell a thoroughly modern story about displacement, prejudice, and the search for belonging.
Narrative Architecture: A Tale of Two Countries
Plot and Structure
The novel unfolds across two decades and two continents, following cousins Funke and Liv as they navigate the aftermath of tragedy. May’s decision to structure the narrative through alternating perspectives allows readers to witness key events from different angles, creating a rich tapestry of emotional complexity and cultural contrast.
Setting and Atmosphere
May masterfully captures both the vibrant energy of 1970s Lagos and the stifling atmosphere of an English country estate. The Ring, with its round pool and three woods, becomes almost a character in itself—a symbol of both privilege and decay that shapes the lives of those who inhabit it.
Character Development: The Heart of the Story
Funke/Kate
The transformation of Funke into Kate, and eventually back to Funke, forms the emotional core of the novel. Her journey from a secure Nigerian childhood through displacement and loss to eventual self-reclamation is beautifully rendered. May shows particular skill in depicting the subtle ways trauma and cultural dislocation can shape a young person’s identity.
Liv
Liv’s character arc is equally compelling, though in different ways. Her journey from free-spirited child to troubled adult provides a fascinating counterpoint to Funke’s story. The complexity of her relationship with her mother Margot adds layers of psychological depth to her character.
Supporting Cast
- Margot Stone: A masterfully drawn antagonist whose actions stem from deep-seated insecurity and bitterness
- Dorothy Stone (Grandma): A nuanced portrayal of privilege and prejudice evolving into understanding
- Kunle: A well-developed character who helps bridge the novel’s two worlds
Themes and Motifs
Identity and Belonging
May explores how identity is shaped by culture, family, and circumstance. The recurring question of names—Funke/Kate, Katherine/Funke—effectively symbolizes the broader struggle for self-definition.
Motherhood and Its Absence
The impact of maternal presence and absence runs throughout the novel, affecting characters across generations. May handles this theme with particular sensitivity, showing how mother-daughter relationships can both nurture and wound.
Cultural Displacement
The author’s treatment of cultural displacement is notably nuanced, avoiding both sentimentality and stereotype. The contrasts between Nigerian and English society are drawn with precision and insight.
Strengths: Where the Novel Shines
Cultural Authenticity
May’s depiction of both Nigerian and English society feels deeply authentic, informed by lived experience rather than research alone. Her handling of code-switching and cultural dynamics is particularly impressive.
Emotional Depth
The novel excels in its portrayal of complex emotional relationships, particularly between family members. The author shows remarkable skill in depicting how love and resentment can coexist within families.
Language and Style
May’s prose is both elegant and accessible, with a particular talent for dialogue that captures the distinct voices of characters from different cultural backgrounds.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing
The novel’s middle section occasionally loses momentum, particularly during Funke’s early years in Lagos after her return. Some judicious trimming might have maintained better narrative tension.
Secondary Plot Lines
Some secondary storylines, such as Bola’s relationship with Funke, feel slightly underdeveloped compared to the main narrative threads.
Time Period Details
While the historical setting is generally well-handled, there are moments where the period details feel somewhat thin, particularly in the 1990s sections.
Literary Context and Comparison
Relationship to Mansfield Park
While inspired by Austen’s novel, This Motherless Land stands firmly on its own merits. May uses the basic framework of the classic to explore thoroughly contemporary themes of race, identity, and belonging.
Contemporary Relevance
The novel’s exploration of cultural identity and belonging feels particularly relevant in today’s global context, drawing parallels with works like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other.
Writing Style and Technical Achievement
Narrative Voice
May employs a close third-person perspective that skillfully captures the internal worlds of both main characters while maintaining narrative distance when needed.
Dialogue and Language
The author shows particular skill in rendering different forms of English—from Nigerian Pidgin to upper-class British speech—without resorting to stereotype or caricature.
Impact and Significance
Cultural Commentary
The novel provides valuable insight into both Nigerian and British society, particularly regarding class, race, and cultural identity. May’s treatment of these themes is both nuanced and accessible.
Literary Merit
Building on the success of Wahala, this novel confirms May’s position as a significant voice in contemporary literary fiction, particularly in stories exploring the African diaspora experience.
Final Verdict
This Motherless Land is a compelling and accomplished novel that successfully combines literary merit with emotional resonance. Despite some minor pacing issues, it represents a significant achievement in contemporary literary fiction.
Recommendations for Readers
This book is particularly recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary literary fiction
- Readers interested in cultural identity and displacement
- Admirers of Jane Austen retellings
- Those who enjoyed May’s debut novel Wahala
- Readers of authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Bernardine Evaristo
Conclusion: A Significant Achievement
This Motherless Land confirms Nikki May’s talent for weaving complex cultural narratives with emotional depth and literary sophistication. While not without its flaws, the novel represents a significant contribution to contemporary literature, particularly in its exploration of identity, belonging, and the lasting impact of family history.