Reviews

Más allá de mi reino by Yaa Gyasi

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clairesle's review against another edition

4.0

This book was a fast and overall enjoyable read for me. I found myself reflected in the main character, Gifty, who struggled with finding the balance between her religious adolescence and her scientific adulthood. In my opinion, parts of the book were a little dry, even for someone who has done the same work Gifty does. I can imagine it would be even more so for those who do not have a background in scientific research. I found myself drawn most to Gifty's journal entries and flashbacks, wishing I could know her family even more than was offered.

Overall, it was going to be difficult to write something as poignant as Gyasi's first novel, Homegoing, but I did enjoy this book and look forward to whatever the author has up next!

bookswithclaire's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

etakloknok's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

aweick's review against another edition

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5.0

4.7 - slower start but heartbreaking and stunning all at once

jinbin's review against another edition

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sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

elizabeth_its_liz_reading's review against another edition

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5.0

TK follows a Ghanaian family living in Alabama and is written from the perspective of Gifty, a 5th-year doctoral candidate in neuroscience. The book shifts between the present day and Gifty reflecting on her childhood. Gifty turns to research to try and better understand her brother’s addiction and her mother’s depression.

Wow, I was just stunned by this novel. I loved the weaving of research and narrative — it was so expertly crafted. The family dynamics were compelling and I really related to how Gifty turned to research to try to understand her relationships and beliefs better.

I think this book will also be very powerful for folks in research/ science who grapple with their religious beliefs. I thought Gyasi painted such a realistic portrayal of this push and pull that Gifty experiences.

Overall, I thought TK was incredible and I can’t believe Gyasi’s scope. I will read anything she writes in the future. I would just suggest checking TWs before reading this one and I listed some below.