Rome, 1964. As 13 year old Andre stands at the foot of the gangway to the ship, his mother fusses over their luggage – 32 suitcases, trunks and tea chests that contain their world. The ship will refuel and return to Alexandria, the home where they have left their father, as the Aciman family begin a new adventure.

Andre is now head of the family, with a little brother to keep in line and a mother to translate for – for although she’s mute, she is nothing if not communicative.Equal parts transporting and beautiful, this coming of age memoir shares the luminous, fragile truth of life for a family forever in exile, living in Rome, but still yet to find a home.