Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Autobiography of My Mother
Literary Fiction· Antigua and Barbuda

The Autobiography of My Mother

by Jamaica Kincaid
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1996English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Jamaica Kincaid's The Autobiography of My Mother (1996) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. The Autobiography of My Mother is a haunting exploration of a woman's life in the Caribbean. Through the character of Xuela, Jamaica Kincaid delves into themes of loss, identity, and the legacy of colonialism. The novel is acclaimed for its poetic language and its profound meditation on the nature of self and memory. Themes of loss, identity, colonial legacy run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJamaica Kincaid
Published1996
Country of Origin🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN978-0374527358
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

This book is part of Antigua and Barbuda's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Antigua and Barbuda →

Editorial Assessment

In "The Autobiography of My Mother," Jamaica Kincaid masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of identity, motherhood, and colonial legacy. Through the poignant voice of its protagonist, the novel delves into themes of alienation and the quest for self-definition against the backdrop of a post-colonial Caribbean. Kincaid's lyrical prose and incisive insights render a profound meditation on the intersections of personal and cultural history, making this work a vital contribution to contemporary literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

The New Yorker
notable · global
19960
✍️
About the Author
Jamaica Kincaid
Antigua and Barbuda
View Author →

Jamaica Kincaid is a Antigua and Barbuda author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
★Pulitzer Prize★Hugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Autobiography of My Mother about?

The Autobiography of My Mother is a haunting exploration of a woman's life in the Caribbean. Through the character of Xuela, Jamaica Kincaid delves into themes of loss, identity, and the legacy of colonialism. The novel is acclaimed for its poetic language and its profound meditation on the nature of self and memory.

Who wrote The Autobiography of My Mother?

The Autobiography of My Mother was written by Jamaica Kincaid, from Antigua and Barbuda. First published in 1996.

What awards has The Autobiography of My Mother won?

The Autobiography of My Mother has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Autobiography of My Mother worth reading?

The Autobiography of My Mother is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in loss, identity, colonial legacy.

Where can I buy The Autobiography of My Mother?

You can buy The Autobiography of My Mother on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Autobiography of My Mother?

The Autobiography of My Mother is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Autobiography of My Mother from?

The Autobiography of My Mother originates from Antigua and Barbuda's literary tradition. Explore more books from Antigua and Barbuda on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇦🇬Books from Antigua and Barbuda🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda literature📅1990s BooksPublished in the 1990s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time