Homegoing
Homegoing ~ Yaa Gyasi
Effia and Esi are half sisters who do not know each other, and they live in Ghana during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Effia is supposed to marry the chief of her village, but her mother thwarts her plans and she is instead married to a British governor decades older than her who is involved in the slave trade. Esi lives in the next village, and is captured by slave traders and sent to the British Colony of America. The story goes on from there, in alternating chapters, through seven generations of the descendants of Effia and Esi, as each generation tries to improve their life, to find meaning, love, and forgiveness.
I liked this book a lot, it conquers heavy themes like generational trauma and resilience, as the characters deal with colonialism, slavery, shame, drug addiction, hope, and redemption. My only real complaint was that every time we had a new chapter, we had a new character that we had to learn, so I didn’t feel as attached to them as I would have like. Highly recommended anyway.
What’s with all the book reviews? I’m participating in NaBloPoMo this month, writing a post a day. I decided that I would write about the books that I have read this year. For more NaBloPoMo participants, check out San’s list.
11 Comments
Elisabeth
This was an epic book! I don’t remember many details, but I remember thinking it was beautifull written. (Though I also think I liked Transcendent Kingdom more?)
J
I haven’t read Transcendent KIngdom, I will have to put that on my TBR list.
iHanna
Great author. This book is on my TBR already.
J
This is my first book by this author, I’m going to have to keep my eyes out though.
Ernie
I haven’t heard of this one. Sounds like a reminder of what a difference choices/other people’s choices can make in life.
J
Agreed, especially about ‘other peoples choices’. Especially early on, the characters didn’t have much say in their lives.
Jenny
This sounds really good- except I’m not sure I’d love all the different characters. But, you said that didn’t ruin it for you so I should probably read it.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I remember liking this book a lot, but cannot really remember the details! However, it was a good one.
Alexandra
Another author and title I’ve not heard of before, but not surprising. I tend to read cosy mysteries. Probably not something I would readily read. But who knows …
Lisa’s Yarns
I loved this book so much! I did wish there was a character map or grid or something to remind us how the characters are connected. I thought it did a great job of showing the impact of generational trauma.
Margaret
We read this in Book Club; we were all impressed by it and had an excellent discussion.