All That It Ever Meant

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.

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"Exceptional and surprising... The story is rich in philosophical reflection, characterisation and a sense of place... This book will linger in the mind" ―Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week

"The books that wowed me the most this year provided insights into other cultures while avoiding didacticism... Blessing Musariri's All That It Ever Meant takes us through Zimbabwe and a family haunted by grief in more ways than we initially realise. Seriously impressive... in a rich and varied year for YA fiction" ―Irish Times, Best YA Books of 2023

"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 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

"Musariri explores family grief and resolution in an intelligent, clever way that would resonate with a thinking reader... a stylish new voice from a debut author to be welcomed" ―Books for Keeps

Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.04 x 19.81 cm