Prizewinning short story writer Gosia Buzzanca’s memoir, There She Goes, My Beautiful World, tells the story of a young woman who leaves Poland at the age of 19 in search of a bigger life, hoping to leave the traumas of her teenage years behind her.
Now she picks her favourite books about big journeys for Big Issue.
The Penguin Book of Migration Literature edited by Dohra Ahmad and Edwidge Danticat
Spanning centuries and 25 countries, this is a collection that should be taught in schools, showcasing the diversity and richness of immigration experience.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
One of the first memoirs I read, and a classic for a reason. The journey through the Pacific Crest Trail interloped with personal memories turns into something so life affirming and powerful. I couldn’t be pulled away from it.
Above Us the Sea by Ania Card
Set between Poland and Wales, this beautiful novel filled me with nostalgia. I particularly enjoyed, for the lack of a better word, the part of the book that dealt with the Brexit timeline. So important to write and read about, particularly now. This, with its cleverly drawn characters and premise, is a real treat.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
A tender memoir of what it feels like to be a child of an immigrant – with food descriptions so good you will want to lick its pages. All of the books I’ve chosen deal with grief to some extent, but this one is particularly compelling and gut wrenching.
