Home is Nearby, the debut novel of Magdalena McGuire, is a book rich with themes of love, loss, home, inspiration, freedom and truth. I closed the final pages with the deep satisfaction that comes at the end of a good book. My heart was full.
This fascinating and emotional story follows the life of Ania, a young woman sculptor living in Poland in the early 1980’s. We meet her friends and boyfriend Dominik in Wroclaw, and her beloved father back in her home village. Poland falls under martial law, and conditions become dangerous. Houses are searched by militiamen, and citizens are thrown in prison without charge.
On a personal level, Ania wrestles with her own feelings of inadequacy as an artist, and experiences jealousy towards a talented artist friend who she suspects once was intimate with Dominik.
Home is Nearby has a freshness and an originality that makes you eager to read on. The entrancing characters live vibrant lives yet also deal with fear, hardship and grief in places and circumstances that are intriguing.
Ania’s passion for her art was especially moving, and her doubts and indecision were relatable. And although this book was very much about love and where we call home, the most powerful thread for me was about our inner creative lives and finding the truth in what we create. It was an inspiring read for any artist, or in fact anyone who likes to express their creativity.
If you’ve struggled lately to find a book that excites you, one that is different and beautifully-written, I can highly recommend Home is Nearby.
Fiona Robertson 
Thanks for this review, Fiona. I especially enjoy reading about creative people and the creative life. I’ve added ‘Home is Nearby’ to my to read list.
It’s a beautiful book Maureen. The final scene had me blinking back tears, but not because of any huge turn of events … I can’t explain more without spoiling it but let’s just say I loved the book, beginning to end.
Lovely review Fiona.
Thank you Theresa 🙂
Thank you so much for this gorgeous and insightful review, Fiona!
You’re very welcome Magdalena – I enjoyed Home is Nearby so much!
What a beautiful thing to be able to say after reading a novel: My heart was full.
“Home is Nearby’ – to read.
In April next year Anne Connor is publishing a memoir called ‘Two Generations’
I think you might like that too.
Have a happy Christmas, Fiona
Thank you Carmel. I adore your short stories, and Dear Writer is a bible of mine! And thanks again to Fiona for such a beautiful review – best Christmas present ever!
Magdalena, your book deserves all the good reviews it is receiving! x
Carmel thank you for the book recommendation – I will watch out for Two Generations. And I’m so glad you’re interested in reading Magdalena McGuire’s novel – I hope it makes your heart full, too!
This is going straight to my TBR pile! Thanks for the recommendation.
Hi Damyanti, I hope you enjoy Home is Nearby too!