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A review by nadiamasood
Home Is Nearby by Magdalena McGuire
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Before reading Home Is Nearby, I knew very little about Poland’s political turmoil in the 1980s. The portrayal of Poland’s oppressive regime is well done: how people lived in constant fear of surveillance and informers. The economic struggles, like eating cabbage for weeks due to food shortages, are powerfully conveyed. I also appreciated the contrast between Ania’s quiet rural upbringing and the harsh realities of city life.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the family dynamics and cultural details, such as the tradition of eating carp at Christmas and keeping its scales for good luck, along with the depiction of university life. The characters were so well written that there were times when I forgot I was reading fiction!
I’ve never read a novel where art played such a central role in the story. In this book, art isn’t just a theme but a powerful form of silent rebellion. The way she and her friends use art to subtly protest the government’s control was one of my favorite aspects, plus Ania’s journey as a sculptor mirrors her own path of self-discovery. The scenes where she and Dominik face imprisonment are haunting, and the fates of their friends are heartbreaking.
The romance was realistic but definitely tumultuous, and I understood why Ania made the choices she did in the end. The pacing felt slow at times but I still enjoyed the book overall. It captures both personal and political struggles in a way that feels authentic, and the art-centered narrative adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
If you enjoy historical fiction or stories about art and personal growth, you’ll love this one. It’s perfect for readers who like exploring history through the eyes of everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the family dynamics and cultural details, such as the tradition of eating carp at Christmas and keeping its scales for good luck, along with the depiction of university life. The characters were so well written that there were times when I forgot I was reading fiction!
I’ve never read a novel where art played such a central role in the story. In this book, art isn’t just a theme but a powerful form of silent rebellion. The way she and her friends use art to subtly protest the government’s control was one of my favorite aspects, plus Ania’s journey as a sculptor mirrors her own path of self-discovery. The scenes where she and Dominik face imprisonment are haunting, and the fates of their friends are heartbreaking.
The romance was realistic but definitely tumultuous, and I understood why Ania made the choices she did in the end. The pacing felt slow at times but I still enjoyed the book overall. It captures both personal and political struggles in a way that feels authentic, and the art-centered narrative adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
If you enjoy historical fiction or stories about art and personal growth, you’ll love this one. It’s perfect for readers who like exploring history through the eyes of everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances.