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Kehuan has no place he could call his own.
That's why he needs his own person. When he lands in yet another foreign city, a lonely boy never fitting in, with no friends or real family, his future looks bleak. But then that carefree little street child appears on his path, with her bright eyes and sunny smile.
They come from different worlds, but does it really matter? Niki needs someone who would look after her, and Kehuan seems the only candidate for the job. They soon become inseparable, and this strange friendship starts to shape not only their own lives, but the whole reality around them.
That’s when the catastrophe strikes.
It leaves its mark on all people involved, and Niki struggles with the fallout for years. But she’s a survivor, and she still has Kehuan, always ready to deal with every problem that comes her way. Until one day he becomes the problem.
They managed to survive the first disaster, but this second one, called growing up, may just do what nothing and no one ever could: tear them apart.
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Readers' opinions
In "The Trouble with Belonging" the writer explores a great variety of issues, like ‘belongingness’, alienation, loss, disillusionment, friendship, love, possessiveness, acceptance, rejection, racism, to name but a few, with great sensitivity and mastery of the narrative technique. ~ Goodreads * * * * *
,,The Trouble with Belonging" truly moved my heart. This book made me more conscious about my own emotions and why I feel them and I'm really grateful for that. ~ Goodreads * * * * *
A very insightful journey into the challenges of becoming your own person among the whims of life. (...) Love the style of writing, especially the subtle changes in tone and literary register depending on the point of narration. ~ Goodreads * * * * *
I really loved this book! Characters were very interesting and each of them had their own story. The book provoked so many thoughts: I felt happy, sad, angry, frustrated… sometimes all of them at the same time! ~ Goodreads * * * * *
A thought-provoking, engaging, and emotional read... ~ Goodreads * * * * *
editorial reviews
"I love this story that is simple yet so profound. (...) They say family isn't always made of blood. Some families are made by bond. And this is also a major theme of the story. The angst of the characters and storyline aren't overdone, the dialogue is natural and believable, and Stanhoff knows how to use sentimentality in just the right places without being saccharin. (...) The pace is perfect, and the notes of friendship and belonging ring out strongly." ~ Readers' Favorite
"Stanhoff creates a wonderfully evocative tale of two children whose connections turn their lives upside down in unexpected ways. (...)
Readers looking for novels replete in cultural experiences, identification, and social inspection will find "The Trouble with Belonging" compelling, warming, and thought-provoking, all in one." ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Readers looking for novels replete in cultural experiences, identification, and social inspection will find "The Trouble with Belonging" compelling, warming, and thought-provoking, all in one." ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"The author did a marvellous job with the characters portrayal. (...) Good plot and straightforward writing style are bound to keep you engaged till the end. If you are looking for some mood lifting multicultural romance with well paced narrative then definitely go for this book." ~ Jagriti Paul, book blogger
"An evocative book exploring compelling themes of human nature and the need for connection. It’s a vivid and raw story of the realities of growing up as an outcast and learning to navigate life with a sense of purpose and belonging. Readers will be captivated by its down-to-earth and engaging story of turbulent teenage love, loss, and identity." ~ Literary Titan
"What I especially liked is that this is a story about love and friendship. (...) Stanhoff shows that as long as the constructs that society develops to frame us do not drive us or are not given importance; that we view individuals for who they are not what they represent, then there are no real barriers." ~ Reedsy Discovery
"Students in international schools or anyone who underwent other forms of cultural assimilation in their youth may especially enjoy this novel." ~ The US Review of Books
