Overview

WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S AFRICANA BOOK AWARDS 2024 OBSERVER BEST BOOKS OF 2023 IRISH TIMES BEST BOOKS OF 2023 SUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK An outstanding YA novel of family love, loss, and life lived between two cultures, by an astonishing, super-stylish new voice. ‘I’m going to tell you exactly how everything happened. Baba always says, Mati mwana’ngu, I love a good story but I don’t have time for a long one, so make it short.’ When Mati and her two siblings travel from London to Zimbabwe with their father, they are forced to confront the knotty family dynamics caused by the loss of their mother. Along for the trip is Meticais, a fabulously attired gender-neutral spirit—or ghost? or imaginary friend?—who only Mati can see and talk to. Guided by Meticais’s enigmatic advice and wisdom, Mati must come to terms with her grief and with the difficulty of a life lived between two cultures, while her family learn to forge their way in a world without their monumental mother. This is distinctive, stylish, powerful writing by a vital new voice.

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9781035902514

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Reviews

‘Full of captivating characters, this title delivers a nuanced story of grief, love and family.’ * The Bookseller * 'Sensitive and beautiful, All That It Ever Meant is a lyrical and compelling observation of family, grief, and love.' -- Clara Kumagai, author of Catfish Rolling 'A stunning, heartbreaking twist at the end will have readers turning back the pages to immediately reread this remarkable novel. An inventive, exquisitely written story of family, love, and loss.' * Kirkus, starred review * ‘Musariri explores belonging, grief, and love in this powerful homage to family set against an intricately detailed backdrop.’ * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review * ‘A gorgeous, richly rewarding novel for thoughtful readers.’ * School Library Journal, Starred Review * 'Musariri spins a tale with characters and narrative so interesting that rereading this brief outing is a near certainty; hand this to teens eager to delve into the difficult (and sometimes darkly humorous) parts of life.' * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *

Author Information

Blessing Musariri is an award-winning author of short stories, children’s stories, radio and screenplays, and contemporary adult fiction. Her work has also been published by the Guardian, Granta, and Poetry International. Blessing lives in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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