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

Safia Elhillo

Novel/Book in Verse

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Home Is Not a Country and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

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

Symbols & Motifs

Home Is Not a Country Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Home Is Not a Country Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Home Is Not a Country Essay Topics

Home Is Not a Country

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Home Is Not a Country?

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Book Details