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“Poignant and layered…As [Figueroa] recounts unlearning to relearn, she explores motherhood, lineage, legacy and reclamation.” —Ms. Magazine
“With a mosaic approach keenly represented by its cover, Jamie Figueroa’s Mother Island is a story of self-creation…a valiant work of cultural excavation, and a deft guide to understanding the narratives that shape us all.” —Elle
“A searching and lyrical memoir packed with nuance and depth.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A lushly written, deeply felt investigation into the meanings of home, lineage and selfhood—Figueroa thoughtfully examines the contours of what is given to us, & what can be chosen.”
–Melissa Febos
“Mother Island is a book of deep vulnerability and compassion. A beautiful poetic book.”
–Tiphanie Yanique
“Echoing themes reminiscent of Puerto Rican predecessors such as Esmeralda Santiago and Rosario Ferre…Figueroa demarcates new ground in her narrative of return, reclaiming the island’s sounds, fruits, and blood-soaked ground in the service of tethering an identity all her own. Upon reaching its final pages, one can only imagine her Taino and African ancestors standing proud, returning with solemn grace the beauty of her collective acknowledgement.”
–Myriam Chancey
“Figueroa’s prose sings with palpable joy when she describes a journey to Puerto Rico with her mother where the two reconnect with family and find a new past to which to fasten their lives and senses of self. With descriptions of her life in New Mexico and many references to Puerto Rican culture, Figueroa’s lyricism never falters in this beautiful, thought-provoking, heartfelt memoir.”
–Booklist
“Throughout the text, the author sprinkles an artful balance of just-personal-enough details, magical imagery, and insightful analysis. Her exceptional command of her craft builds narrative tension while granting force to the way her personal history mirrors geopolitical devastation and imbuing her voice with the power of one no longer unclaimed by, but ready to lay claim to. A searching and lyrical memoir packed with nuance and depth.”
–Kirkus, starred review
“A compelling memoir that explores the complexities of identity, heritage, and connection to Puerto Rico….Figueroa’s prose weaves together themes of belonging and self-discovery, creating a narrative that resonates with anyone seeking to understand the intricate ties between personal identity and cultural heritage.”
—Hispanic Executive
“The Midwest was tough for Jamie Figueroa and her sisters, who grew up with her Puerto Rican mom, who felt disconnected from her roots. In her memoir, Figueroa tells of her quest for identity, wrestling with her mother’s choices to blend in rather than stand out. With raw honesty, she reflects on her tumultuous Ohio upbringing, her early marriage, and how healing through massage therapy led her to find herself. She discovers the power of reclaiming her past and embracing her own path to motherhood and self-discovery.”
–SheReads