A review by starryeved
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

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.