Scan barcode
A review by emilyhawk
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Gyasi's second novel is not as gripping as Homegoing, but that's not a fair metric because in my opinion, Homegoing is about as close to perfection as a novel could be. This book is excellent and I recommend it to anyone, but particularly those wanting to think through faith, family, and belonging. I am continually amazed by Gyasi's ability to crate surprising, complex characters not typically represented in literature -- a first-gen, formerly Southern evangelical, Black woman in STEM? Fascinating to learn about the world through Gifty's lens. Yet even though I don't share a lot of identity markers with Gifty, her story gave me to much to think about. That's the beauty of Gyasi's storytelling: she tells specific stories with universal truths about human nature embedded within. This book cemented Gyasi's place as one of my favorite contemporary authors, and I can't wait for her next book.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Drug use, Addiction, and Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Racism