Reviews

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

emmalouiseee5659's review against another edition

4.0

That was beautiful.

starryeved's review against another edition

3.0

We humans are reckless with our bodies, reckless with our lives, for no other reason than that we want to know what would happen, what it might feel like to brush up against death, to run right up to the edge of our lives, which is, in some ways, to live fully.

Currently stunned at Yaa Gyasi's sheer range. This is so astoundingly different from Homegoing, but it is inevitably a triumph all the same.

Transcendent Kingdom is a marvelously complex, intense introspective narrative. Its discussion of institutionalized racism, mental health, grief, the unrelenting search for balance when walking away from the comforts of one's faith, and so much more are needle-sharp, precise and transcendent. Every detail is intricately placed. The depth is unquestionably quality, and packs an emotional punch whether or not you personally identify with Gyasi's subject matter.

Resplendent, as always. Thoughtful and morose, acutely realistic. I read it in a daze, because it was a hard but worthy read. 10/10 recommend.

failedimitator's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

Oh yea. I finished this ages ago. Forgot to upload this. And funny enough, I barely remember it. I remember it being very readable, but the whole addiction thing doesn't seem specific enough. But I liked the mother-daughter relationship. And I was also fascinated by the actual research. But it wasn't Homegoing, and I guess that's fine

cissyamato's review against another edition

5.0

A debate over the relevance of spirituality in a modern era- whether we can find comfort in faith without necessarily conforming to a religious institution’s strict guidelines.

Loved this book and Gifty!! 10/10 would recommend

jezzajezza's review against another edition

emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

allisonbuie's review against another edition

5.0

I'm stunned at how perfect this book is -
The topics are tough and emotionally heavy & the book deals with philosophical themes that I would normally find a total chore to read. But in this case, those topics and themes do not detract from the story itself. They also do not feel out of place or lecturey. It is only captivating (every sentence).
LOVED.

"Only weeks before, I hadn't even known of my aunt's existence, and here she was, proud of me."

eelsmac's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

islandkate763's review against another edition

3.0

I loved the authors first book, Homegoing so I really wanted to love this book as well. Gyasi is an amazing writer and she does well weaving together past and present. There are some interesting ideas and philosophical questions posed, but the science pieces felt fuzzy and not clearly explained. My favorite parts were the interactions between Gifty and her brother Nana.

gn606's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

curatedsymposium's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.0