When grief brings you back to Cyprus

Mourning and remembrance in Cyprus

Matthew Philip Long began writing his first novella a few months after his mother's death. The story is set in Cyprus and follows a man who returns to his birthplace after his mother's death, searching for traces of her. Long writes about grief, memory, and the sense of belonging with a linguistic depth that is both moving and poignant, portraying the inevitability of loss.

Personal motivation and origin

Long recounts that his book was not originally intended for other people. It began as diary entries when, for several years after his mother's death, he commuted between Cyprus and his current home. Equipped with a camera and notebook, he attempted to forge a connection to his mother and to Cyprus by recording his feelings.

Experiences and insights

Born in Ayios Nikolaos on a British military base, Long spent only a few years in Cyprus. His memories of the island come primarily from the stories told by his mother, who had a deep love for Cyprus. After her death, photography allowed him to make those memories tangible, and writing helped him find healing and express his grief.

The multifaceted exploration of loss

When Long learned of his mother's sudden death, a profound transformation began for him. His novella deals not only with the grief over the loss of a loved one, but also with the grief over one's own altered identity. He describes how things can never be the same again and how important it is to acknowledge this loss and say goodbye to a past self.

Connection to Cyprus and colonial history

The novella also reflects on the complex relationship to his homeland and the traces of British colonial history in Cyprus. Long grapples with his role as a Briton on the island and considers the attempt to find belonging as an aspect of a colonial attitude. Despite his position as an outsider, he now calls Nicosia his home and accepts the past and present in a process of reconciliation.

Writing as expression and process

For Long, writing is a means of understanding the world and himself. He sees his novella not as a guide or conclusion, but as a collection of meditative thoughts and reflections on grief, as well as a love letter to Cyprus. The novella will be released on June 26 and will be available in various formats, followed by book launches in October.