This Is Home

Synopsis

This Is Home is about simple living - how to focus on our values to create authentic homes full of meaning and joy.

Natalie Walton steps inside sixteen homes across the world to meet the people who made them, and discover whether there is some universality to what makes us happy in the spaces we inhabit.

Filled with beautiful photography, transporting stories and practical advice, This Is Home reminds and inspires us to nurture the space that helps make our lives possible.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Arrival

* Two sisters, Yuki and Nanami, arrive in New Zealand from Japan after their father passes away.
* They struggle to adjust to a foreign country and miss their family.
* Yuki, the older sister, is pragmatic and determined to create a stable home for them.

*Example:* Yuki finds a rental apartment, arranges school transfers, and tries to make the best of their situation despite their sadness.

Chapter 2: The School Days

* Yuki and Nanami enroll in a local high school.
* Yuki excels academically, while Nanami faces bullying due to her thick Japanese accent.
* They meet other students who offer support and friendship.

*Example:* Yuki joins the debate team and impresses the coaches with her intelligence and passion. Nanami makes friends with a shy girl named Sarah who understands her struggles.

Chapter 3: The Cultural Divide

* Yuki and Nanami experience cultural differences that challenge their preconceived notions.
* They learn about indigenous customs, Western social norms, and the importance of respecting others.
* They struggle to balance their Japanese heritage with their newfound Kiwi identity.

*Example:* Yuki is surprised by the casual nature of New Zealand society compared to Japan's rigid social hierarchy. Nanami discovers the significance of the haka, a traditional Māori dance.

Chapter 4: The Search for Home

* Yuki and Nanami begin to feel a sense of belonging in their new community.
* They form close friendships, participate in extracurricular activities, and create their own traditions.
* They find comfort and support in their shared experiences and their love for each other.

*Example:* Yuki and Nanami start a Japanese language club at school, connecting with other Japanese students and showcasing their heritage. They also host a traditional tea ceremony for their friends.

Chapter 5: The Challenges

* Despite their progress, Yuki and Nanami face setbacks and challenges.
* Yuki struggles with loneliness and feelings of inadequacy.
* Nanami experiences a health scare that forces her to confront her own mortality.
* They learn to rely on each other and seek support from their community.

*Example:* Yuki becomes overwhelmed by her responsibilities and worries about her family. Nanami is diagnosed with a heart condition, which shakes their sense of security.

Chapter 6: The Journey Home

* After years in New Zealand, Yuki and Nanami return to Japan.
* They have grown into strong and independent women, carrying the experiences and lessons they learned in New Zealand with them.
* They reconcile with their past and embrace their future, realizing that home is more than just a place.

*Example:* Yuki becomes a respected journalist known for her insightful cultural perspectives. Nanami returns to her hometown and uses her medical training to help others. They both carry a piece of New Zealand with them, forever grateful for the journey that shaped their lives.