Are We Home Yet?

This memoir delves into the intricate relationship between a mixed-race woman and her French-Canadian mother, exploring themes of shame and healing. Are We Home Yet? captures their journey.

In Are We Home Yet?, the poignant memoir of a mixed-race woman from a working-class community in Leeds unfolds alongside the vibrant yet complex relationship with her outspoken French-Canadian mother. This narrative explores the themes of shame, immigration, and class, as both women share their individual stories while grappling with the choices they have made in a rapidly changing world. Their journey is marked by both humor and heartache, reflecting the nuances of their bond.

Spanning the years from 1935 to 2010, Are We Home Yet? takes readers through the transformative experiences of Katy and her mother. Katy's childhood is forever altered when she inadvertently discovers her mother’s profession as a sex worker, creating a rift that echoes throughout their lives. As Katy grows into adulthood, she faces her own struggles with grief and mental health, leading to a poignant quest for healing and understanding between the two.

The narrative traverses various locations, including Canada, Leeds, and Jamaica, highlighting the cultural and emotional landscapes that shape their identities. Through their shared truths, Katy and her mother confront the oppressive ghosts of their past, striving to reconcile their differences. Ultimately, Are We Home Yet? is a testament to resilience, the complexities of familial love, and the possibility of reconciliation amidst deep-seated challenges.