A review by ktrain3900
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A story both local and global, of family, whose protagonist, Gifty, contemplates religion, science, relationships, mental health, and loss. The writing is nearly seamless, weaving between the present and past so smoothly sometimes I barely knew where I was and would have to flip back a few pages to find my footing. Despite my superficial differences with Gifty, I found her difficult relationships over time with both God and other people (as well as with herself) relatable, also having had a family member gone too soon. The unlikable character has become popular these days, but give me an imperfect fully human character who transcends like/dislike dualism any day of the week. Heartbreaking and hopeful; beautiful yet ordinary.
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