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A review by kristabooksandjams
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
5.0
I heard so much hype for this book and was nervous that it wouldn't live up to it for me, but I have to say it did. I think the writing was so brilliant. The book follows the two branches of a family tree, beginning with two sisters in Ghana. One of these sisters marries a slave trader and the other is sold into slavery. Throughout the book I felt like I learned so much about the history of slavery, both in Africa and in America...not a general, textbook-style learning, but through the lens of individuals over the course of many generations. Each chapter alternates with the next generation of these two family tree branches.
Gyasi did such an incredible job of making me care about each person that was talked about. Their stories were horrific in so many ways, but these characters were filled with determination, strength and so much grit. My heart broke time after time. It was definitely a hard read at times, but so important. She doesn't sugar coat or make the horrors of race issues, slavery, colonization, identity or any of the other themes more palatable. It was a compelling and stunning novel.
Gyasi did such an incredible job of making me care about each person that was talked about. Their stories were horrific in so many ways, but these characters were filled with determination, strength and so much grit. My heart broke time after time. It was definitely a hard read at times, but so important. She doesn't sugar coat or make the horrors of race issues, slavery, colonization, identity or any of the other themes more palatable. It was a compelling and stunning novel.