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A review by jemmareadsbooks
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect going in but I'm so glad I read it.
It is very hard to read at first, it gets a bit easier but I'd advise checking trigger warnings as a lot are checked off for this book.
It reads like short stories, following snippets of lives of each generation over a few hundred years. It's amazin how different and the same some stories are. Most of them are heartbreaking and a lot of the characters don't have great lives, but it does seem to get a bit better as it goes on.
The family tree at the start of the book is useful, but don't look back on it mid story as it spoils who gets married for some of the stories.
I would say this is a must read for learning a bit more about history that is not often taught or talked about. Whilst it's fiction, you know a lot of people have lived similar lives and it's good to remember our history.
A few spoiler thoughts. I know it is true and part of the history, but there is so much rape and sexual assault I found it hard to get through parts. I know it's valid and part of the story but it's just not something I like to read really. There is a lot of violence as well, it is not an easy read.
A few of the stories felt like they didn't fully end, I think Abena's especially felt like we didn't know she went to the monistery and Sonny's, both of which the kids weren't born which felt missing.
The ending was good, I like the fears if water and fire together there. I was hoping they'd realise they were related or that they find the other stone, I know it's not the most realistic but it is a book after all! I don't get why she gave away the necklace to him without knowing they were related, that felt a little odd.
Loved the book overall though!
It is very hard to read at first, it gets a bit easier but I'd advise checking trigger warnings as a lot are checked off for this book.
It reads like short stories, following snippets of lives of each generation over a few hundred years. It's amazin how different and the same some stories are. Most of them are heartbreaking and a lot of the characters don't have great lives, but it does seem to get a bit better as it goes on.
The family tree at the start of the book is useful, but don't look back on it mid story as it spoils who gets married for some of the stories.
I would say this is a must read for learning a bit more about history that is not often taught or talked about. Whilst it's fiction, you know a lot of people have lived similar lives and it's good to remember our history.
A few of the stories felt like they didn't fully end, I think Abena's especially felt like we didn't know she went to the monistery and Sonny's, both of which the kids weren't born which felt missing.
The ending was good, I like the fears if water and fire together there. I was hoping they'd realise they were related or that they find the other stone, I know it's not the most realistic but it is a book after all! I don't get why she gave away the necklace to him without knowing they were related, that felt a little odd.
Loved the book overall though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Deportation
Moderate: Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Hate crime, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War