A review by words_and_dreams
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

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

5.0

'We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, Whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.' Yaa Gyasi

The story starts in Ghana in the 1700s and follows two half sisters who don't know each other. One is given to a British Army Officer as his 'wife' and the other is sold into slavery by a rival tribe and shipped off to America.  It is structured much like a family tree and each large chapter follows the next descendant, swapping between both sisters family line. It takes us right up to more modern day, 80s 90s. 

Considering that we really only get a snap shot of each character at one point in there lives, we learn so much about who they are as a person and what is stolen from them. Threads follow through right until the end and handled beautifully. 

Discusses slavery, colonialism, abuse, racism, police brutality and identity. 

Heartbreaking, brutal and visceral and intimate whilst spanning such a large time period. At times it was a hard read, uncomfortable and hard to reconcile with. Truly shows the ugly side of humanity, black and white yet also humanity and hope. I think everyone should read it. 

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