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.
27 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.
J
I think the key is to think of it as short stories rather than a novel. Then it works.
Kyria @ Travel Spot
I remember liking this book a lot, but cannot really remember the details! However, it was a good one.
J
That happens to me with most books. I can remember a bit, but mostly I forget.
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 …
J
One never knows…I haven’t read many cozy mysteries, I should branch out. Your QEII books sound like great fun.
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.
J
Yes, that was the main takeaway for me as well.
Margaret
We read this in Book Club; we were all impressed by it and had an excellent discussion.
J
I can see where it would lead to really good discussions.
Nicole MacPherson
Oooh I loved this book, and I loved Transcendent Kingdom even more!
J
I think I need to read Transcendent Kingdom.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I had the same issue with this book and wasn’t too fond. I felt like that a lot of the story was missing.
However i listened to the BBS World Book Club podcast with the author and she explained why she did it that way and it made total sense. I can’t quiet recollect but it was interisting back info. It made me feel the book was better knowing that.
J
Oh, interesting. I should check that out.
Daria
This book has been on my TBR list FORever. That and Trasncendent Kingdome. In 2025!
Thank you so much for all thes reviews and so much inspiration! Happy end of NaBloPoMo2024! 🙂
J
Thanks Daria! I didn’t know about this book, but found it on the Readers List of Best Books of the 21st century in The NY Times that was going around a few months ago.
Stephany
This is one of my all-time favorite reads. It’s so good! The way it shows the impact of slavery was astonishing to me. I didn’t love Transcendent Kingdom nearly as much, but I’m hoping we get a new book from her soon!
J
Oh interesting, since so many people LOVED Transcendent Kingdom, which I haven’t read yet…
I agree, I loved how it showed the impact of slavery over generations. Something that is lost for a lot of people, I think.
Maya
This book blew me away when it first came out… It seemed epic, I should reread it…
J
I liked it too. 🙂
Allison McCaskill
I absolutely loved this book – even with all the characters. Loved her next one too.