Nowhere Is a Place

By Bernice L. McFadden

Book Overview

Bernice L. McFadden, whom the novelist Adriana Trigiani calls “a master storyteller,” has crafted a touching novel about a young woman uncovering a surprising family history. Her spectacular debut novel, Sugar , established Bernice L. McFadden as a writer to watch in African-American literary fiction. In Nowhere Is a Place , she spins a fully realized and memorable portrait of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. Sherry has struggled all her life to understand who she is, where she comes from, and, most importantly, 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 a scenic site 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. Praise for the novels of Bernice L. McFadden: Terry McMillian on Sugar “One of the most compelling and thought-provoking novels I’ve read in years.” Toni Morrison on The Warmest December “Riveting . . . I am as impressed by its structural strength as by the searing and expertly imagined scenes.” People magazine on This Bitter Earth “McFadden’s sensuous prose and folk wisdom conjure a memorable character with complexity and grace.”

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525948759
• ISBN13: 9780525948759
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.7" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Excellent!

A most excellent read.

Masterpiece

Yes, I am declaring this book a masterpiece. Although a work of fiction, this story rings true for many African Americans whose roots in America began in the South. The relationship between the central characters Dumpling and her daughter Sherry, are paralleled via a book that Sherry is writing about her ancestors. McFadden's book cuts back and forth between the central storyline and the story within the story, subsequently blending the two together for an ending that leaves one filled with joy and loss at the same time. After reading this book, I was nothing but grateful to my ancestors as it was their existence as harsh as it may have been that made my life possible. I am encouraging anyone who may have a past they need to reconcile, or are seeking answers and inspiration for the future to read this book. The foundation of who I am, just got a little bit firmer.

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.