Nowhere Is a Place

By Bernice L. McFadden

Book Overview

"An engrossing multigenerational saga . . . With her deep engagement in the material and her brisk but lyrical prose, McFadden creates a poignant epic of resiliency, bringing Sherry to a well-earned awareness of her place atop the shoulders of her ancestors, those who survived so that she might one day, too." --Publishers Weekly

Nothing can mend a broken heart quite like family. Sherry has struggled all her life to understand who she is, where she comes from, and, most important, why her mother slapped her cheek one summer afternoon. The incident has haunted Sherry, and it causes her to dig into her family's past. Like many family histories, it is fractured and stubbornly reluctant to reveal its secrets; but Sherry is determined to know the full story.

In just a few days time, her extended family will gather for a reunion, and Sherry sets off across the country with her mother, Dumpling, to join them. What Sherry and Dumpling find on their trip is far more important than scenic sites here and there--it is the assorted pieces of their family's past. Pulled together, they reveal a history of amazing survival and abundant joy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1617751316
• ISBN13: 9781617751318
• Release Date: February 2013
• Publisher: Akashic Books, Ltd.
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Bring Tissues Your Tears!!!

This book is absolutely stunning as it takes you back in time and behind the scenes of the main character’s reality. I honestly felt lost and confused while reading the first two Chapters of this book, but at Chapter Three, I was totally invested and could not put this book down! The main character’s Mother will keep you laughing throughout the tears as they travel along their journey and discover one another. This book truly acknowledges the pain and frustration that can develop from a person’s childhood and the affect it can cause in their adult life. Communication is so important when dealing with trauma. I am thrilled that Bernice L. McFadden wrote this novel in a beautiful and charming way that gives people suffering from childhood trauma hope. Throughout it all, always remember: You are not the only one!

Excellent!

A most excellent read.

Fantastic

Bernice McFadden is a talented writer whose stories stick with you. I read this one on cd in my car and the reader was amazing, she brought to life these incredible characters with her brilliant rendition. While I've loved all of Ms. McFadden's books, this one felt really special because of the audio. I always felt sad when I arrived at my destination and had to continue listening to the book later. The language and writing style drew me into the story and even though a lot of terrible and unbelievable things happened to these survivors of slavery, the story felt real and true the whole way through.

Great Book

I love all of Bernice Mcfadden's books. This one was just great. Highly recommend it.

Exquisite Craftsmanship

AH. But if only the critics understood the inner nuances of Black life and especially Black Female life. This book is expertly crafted, generously thought out and very touching and understated. It's much better than the mainstream critics are giving it credit for and McFadden proves once again that she is one of the most talented though underrated writers of the new generation of black female authors. The voices are true, the places are unmistable and unforgettable, and the heart of the book is the heart of a truly human journey. I'm so glad I bought this book!

Great Writing as Usual

In No Where is a Place, Bernice McFadden has once again taken her readers on an enlightening journey that touches the heart and soul. I love the way she incorporates history into her contemporary fiction. If you are going to take the time to read, you may as well learn something and McFadden proves that she is more than a fiction writer. She's a teacher. Great writing.