Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative exploration of identity and belonging, resonating deeply with readers through its poetic style. However, some critique its pacing and abstract narrative structure. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking debut that tackles complex themes with sensitivity.

Readers who would enjoy Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo are likely drawn to poignant, lyrical explorations of identity, displacement, and belonging. Similar audiences appreciate books like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, which also feature poetic narratives and themes of cultural identity.

In Home Is Not a Country, Nima, a Muslim teenager in America, struggles with her cultural identity, feeling disconnected from her US surroundings and longing for a homeland she has never seen. With her best friend Haitham and inspired by magical realism, she explores her heritage and grapples with racism, ultimately seeking solace and belonging within her diaspora community. This book includes depictions of racism, Islamophobia, and hate crimes.

Melancholic / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Emotional

- Home Is Not a Country is a young adult novel written in verse, showcasing Safia Elhillo's poetry skills and exploring themes of identity and belonging.
- The book delves into the experiences of a Sudanese-American girl, reflecting on cultural heritage and the complexities of the immigrant experience.
- Safia Elhillo is a renowned poet whose work often explores displacement and diaspora, and she is a recipient of the Arab American Book Award.

**Nima**  
The narrator and protagonist who starts with low self-esteem and grapples with her identity. Her journey includes embracing her culture and understanding herself better.

**Yasmeen**  
Initially Nima's imagined alternate self who seems perfect and confident. As a jinni, she embodies possibility and transformation.

**Haitham**  
Nima's quiet and close friend, social and confident, who shares cultural interests with her. His experiences parallel Nima's but he maintains a positive outlook.

**Aisha**  
Nima's mother, characterized by her grief but also her strength. She deeply loves her daughter and insists on maintaining pride in their cultural heritage.

**Hala**  
Haitham's mother, a single parent and Aisha's best friend. She has a complicated past in Sudan but plays a supportive role for her loved ones.

**Mama Fatheya**  
Hala’s mother and a source of cultural wisdom. She offers insights into the past and spirit world while acknowledging the drawbacks of nostalgia.

Safia Elhillo

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Overview

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Home Is Not a Country Summary and Study Guide

Background

Home Is Not a Country Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1

Home Is Not a Country Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Old Country”

Part 2, Pages 83-135

Home Is Not a Country Part 2, Pages 83-135 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 136-190

Home Is Not a Country Part 2, Pages 136-190 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Home Is Not a Country Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Home Is Not a Country Character Analysis

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Themes

Home Is Not a Country Themes

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Home Is Not a Country

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