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chaptersofmay 's review for:
Transcendent Kingdom
by Yaa Gyasi
Transcendent Kingdom is a beautiful and extraordinarily moving novel that explores belief and science in the face of familial loss and addiction.
The story follows Gifty, the daughter in a family of Ghanaian immigrants in Alabama. Although now studying at Stanford University, Gifty did not have the easiest childhood. Her father abandoned her, her talented athletic brother died of an overdose, and her mother is slowly fading with depression. Gifty turns to science for answers and truth, seeking to understand her loss, struggling to hold on to her faith, and processing the grief in her family.
Yaa Gyasi’s versatile writing is so powerfully gripping, I would have loved this book regardless of its narrative. She is a master of breaking down deeper themes with ease, and lacing heavier subjects together without dragging the book’s pace. Transcendent Kingdom dives into race, science, mental health and religion, but it never feels overcrowded. I particularly like how Gyasi represents trust in science, it’s hard to believe she isn't a scientist herself. It’s a refreshing take as the author acknowledges the limitations of even the most complex beliefs, and it sustained my interest from start to finish.
I adore Gifty. Her ability to turn trial into desire to understand is a driving force in Transcendent Kingdom. She carries an enormous weight, and as the reader, you can’t help but feel the mass of every emotional burden. The plot jumps between three different significant periods in Gifty’s life, making the characters feel relatable and multidimensional.
A huge highlight in Transcendent Kingdom is the continuous references to Ghanaian culture. The displacement within the family as they immigrate becomes even more obvious in the contrasts in their surroundings. The slow awakenings and realizations that unravel with each chapter underscore the hope and heartbreak of this incredible journey.
Transcendent Kingdom is a truly fascinating work of fiction. Its depth and tragedy isn’t watered down, but presented in a stirringly honest voice that hits close to home. Systemic racism, reliance on faith, the importance of science, and the impact of addiction are all skilfully studied with a self-awareness that makes this book and unforgettable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The story follows Gifty, the daughter in a family of Ghanaian immigrants in Alabama. Although now studying at Stanford University, Gifty did not have the easiest childhood. Her father abandoned her, her talented athletic brother died of an overdose, and her mother is slowly fading with depression. Gifty turns to science for answers and truth, seeking to understand her loss, struggling to hold on to her faith, and processing the grief in her family.
Yaa Gyasi’s versatile writing is so powerfully gripping, I would have loved this book regardless of its narrative. She is a master of breaking down deeper themes with ease, and lacing heavier subjects together without dragging the book’s pace. Transcendent Kingdom dives into race, science, mental health and religion, but it never feels overcrowded. I particularly like how Gyasi represents trust in science, it’s hard to believe she isn't a scientist herself. It’s a refreshing take as the author acknowledges the limitations of even the most complex beliefs, and it sustained my interest from start to finish.
I adore Gifty. Her ability to turn trial into desire to understand is a driving force in Transcendent Kingdom. She carries an enormous weight, and as the reader, you can’t help but feel the mass of every emotional burden. The plot jumps between three different significant periods in Gifty’s life, making the characters feel relatable and multidimensional.
A huge highlight in Transcendent Kingdom is the continuous references to Ghanaian culture. The displacement within the family as they immigrate becomes even more obvious in the contrasts in their surroundings. The slow awakenings and realizations that unravel with each chapter underscore the hope and heartbreak of this incredible journey.
Transcendent Kingdom is a truly fascinating work of fiction. Its depth and tragedy isn’t watered down, but presented in a stirringly honest voice that hits close to home. Systemic racism, reliance on faith, the importance of science, and the impact of addiction are all skilfully studied with a self-awareness that makes this book and unforgettable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram