Floating in My Mother's Palm
Floating in My Mother's Palm
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Brief
187
Novel • Fiction
Burgdorf, Germany • 1950s
1990
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Floating in My Mother's Palm by Ursula Hegi is a collection of parables following Hanna Malter as she comes of age in post-World War II Germany. Narrated retrospectively, the stories reflect on her family life and the dynamics in her town, Burgdorf. The book explores themes of memory, compassion, and the impact of historical tragedies on the community's children as they grew into adulthood. Some stories cover sensitive topics such as deformity, mental illness, and deaths within the community.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
3,739 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ursula Hegi's Floating in My Mother's Palm captures post-war German life through rich, evocative prose and relatable characters, intertwining Hanni's poignant coming-of-age story with her late mother's legacy. While praised for its lyrical depiction of small-town intricacies, some critics find the narrative's pacing uneven. Despite this, it remains a compelling, thoughtful read.
Who Should Read Floating in My Mother's Palm?
Readers who relish character-driven narratives and evocative settings will enjoy Ursula Hegi's Floating in My Mother’s Palm. Fans of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits will appreciate the novel’s exploration of family dynamics and magical realism within a small-town atmosphere.
3,739 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
187
Novel • Fiction
Burgdorf, Germany • 1950s
1990
Adult
18+ years
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