In My Mother's Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home

Book Synopsis: ‘Beautiful. Poignant. Phenomenal…I cried and I smiled…Truly a gem.’ Goodreads reviewer

A moving and heartbreaking journey of a daughter discovering her Palestinian roots and recovering her mother’s beloved past. Perfect for fans of The Bookseller of Kabul and The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

1948, Jerusalem. Zakia is forced to flee the only home she’s ever known as war rips through the leafy streets and the bustling spice-filled souqs. Taking just one suitcase, Zakia thinks she’ll be able to return soon. But within weeks, she realises she won’t be allowed back to her beloved homeland.

2007, California. Mona grew up with her mother Zakia’s memories of Palestine, imagining the muezzin’s call for prayer and the medley of church bells her mother so vividly described to her. So, when Mona gets the opportunity to teach conflict resolution in Ramallah, she also embarks on a personal pilgrimage to find her mother’s home in militarized and occupied Jerusalem.

With cherished letters from her mother who writes to Mona regularly, sharing her story of Jerusalem, Mona dreams of one day being guided by her through the winding cobblestone alleys of the Old City. Yet it is Mona who instead holds her mother’s hand as they finally visit Jerusalem together. After fifty-nine years of exile, her mother is returning to the place she once called home – but can a lifetime of loss ever be healed?

Read what everyone is saying about In My Mother’s Footsteps:

‘Will jerk those tears right out of your head…Surely one of the best books of 2021.’ Goodreads reviewer, ★★★★★

‘Utterly heart-breaking, absorbing, and tender... Mona took me by the hand through the streets of Jerusalem and brought it to life in a way I’ve never seen before...a timely and important story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.’ Christy Lefteri, bestselling author of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

‘What a powerful experience…both heart-breaking and joyous…Thank you for inviting us to live your story, Mona. …What a thrill to walk the streets of Jerusalem with you and your mother.’ Pam Nicholls

‘Powerful, moving…exceptionally evocative.’ Goodreads reviewer, ★★★★★

‘Emotional and enlightening…A must read.’ Karen King, ★★★★★

‘Moving, evocative and poignant…a really insightful and touching book.’ Resnas_readagram, ★★★★★