All That It Ever Meant

Exceptional and surprising... The story is rich in philosophical reflection, characterisation and a sense of place... This book will linger in the mind * Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *
The books that wowed me the most this year provided insights into other cultures while avoiding didacticism... Blessing Musariri’s All That It Ever Meant takes us through Zimbabwe and a family haunted by grief in more ways than we initially realise. Seriously impressive... in a rich and varied year for YA fiction * Irish Times, Best YA Books of 2023 *
A beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel about family, grief and identity * The Observer, Best YA Books of 2023 *
‘Full of captivating characters, this title delivers a nuanced story of grief, love and family.’ * The Bookseller *
'Sensitive and beautiful, All That It Ever Meant is a lyrical and compelling observation of family, grief, and love.' -- Clara Kumagai, author of Catfish Rolling
Tender and powerful, this short-read packs so much into its pages including an interesting viewpoint on growing up between two cultures * Irish Examiner *
'A stunning, heartbreaking twist at the end will have readers turning back the pages to immediately reread this remarkable novel. An inventive, exquisitely written story of family, love, and loss.' * Kirkus, starred review *
Musariri explores family grief and resolution in an intelligent, clever way that would resonate with a thinking reader... a stylish new voice from a debut author to be welcomed * Books for Keeps *
A unique road-trip novel of grief and cultural discovery... All That It Ever Meant is a clever, heartfelt tale that will appeal to confident older readers and fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Angie Thomas * School Reading List *
A beautifully written meditation on love and loss, as well as identity and the complexities of immigrant life * The Bookseller, Editor's Choice *
‘Musariri explores belonging, grief, and love in this powerful homage to family set against an intricately detailed backdrop.’ * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *
‘A gorgeous, richly rewarding novel for thoughtful readers.’ * School Library Journal, Starred Review *
'Musariri spins a tale with characters and narrative so interesting that rereading this brief outing is a near certainty; hand this to teens eager to delve into the difficult (and sometimes darkly humorous) parts of life.' * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
At once subtle and powerful, this speaks to truths of the human heart with beauty and a pitch-perfect voice * LoveReading4Kids, Debut of the Month *
A stunning novel… The complexities of human nature, relationships and emotions are all sensitively explored in this beautifully written, cleverly constructed and gripping story * Through the Bookshelf *
The careful, elegant plotting in Blessing Musariri’s All That It Ever Meant is one of its many pleasures; the twists are skilful, subtle and worth reflecting on beyond that initial gasp of surprise... This is absolutely the kind of novel that rewards rereading * Irish Times *
The rich use of language and description [is] crying out to be read aloud... captivating * Armadillo Magazine *