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A review by n_asyikin_
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A deeply moving book that led its readers to confront a multitude of vulnerabilities & draw strength from them in a story driven by strong character analyses. Gifty was in search for answers, wanting to make sense of the loss of her brother (to addiction) & mother (to depression).
Perhaps, I'm being biased; there were many parallels between Gifty & I - we're both in the same field (though focused on different approaches), we're both grappling with our purpose & how our past (relating to mental illness) influenced it, and we're both struggling with our faith & it's place in our life. Transcendent Kingdom explored all of these, & for that, it became special to me.
The book cemented my view that Gyaasi is a master storyteller. Gyaasi's proses were effortlessly beautiful; structured in concise paragraphs, flowed between differing timeline, held by the topic being contemplated. I adored how some analogies stayed & repeated (though not overly done), embedded within the tapestry of the story. The characters were dynamic; even in their death, or brief appearances, they were significant in a way that highlighted their impact, no matter how brief, in Gifty's life (i.e. the narrator). Do note that for those who preferred plot-driven story with clear resolution, you may found the story difficult to follow. But I still think that the contemplative & wise manner Gifty shared her thoughts & her experience were more than compelling; as a narrator, she was a unique voice.
This story felt like it was written for me specifically. I found a kindred spirit in Gifty. The book was relatively short, but I took my time to savour, to reflect on the stories relayed by her. I found myself needing breaks in between; purely because the story led me to my own discoveries. Gifty's "letters" to God really hit me hard.
I know I will sound cringey, but the book was rather transcending to me - it led me to go beyond the barriers I placed around my feelings. The book moved me to tears. One of my best reads. And Gyaasi is also becoming one of my favourites.
Perhaps, I'm being biased; there were many parallels between Gifty & I - we're both in the same field (though focused on different approaches), we're both grappling with our purpose & how our past (relating to mental illness) influenced it, and we're both struggling with our faith & it's place in our life. Transcendent Kingdom explored all of these, & for that, it became special to me.
The book cemented my view that Gyaasi is a master storyteller. Gyaasi's proses were effortlessly beautiful; structured in concise paragraphs, flowed between differing timeline, held by the topic being contemplated. I adored how some analogies stayed & repeated (though not overly done), embedded within the tapestry of the story. The characters were dynamic; even in their death, or brief appearances, they were significant in a way that highlighted their impact, no matter how brief, in Gifty's life (i.e. the narrator). Do note that for those who preferred plot-driven story with clear resolution, you may found the story difficult to follow. But I still think that the contemplative & wise manner Gifty shared her thoughts & her experience were more than compelling; as a narrator, she was a unique voice.
This story felt like it was written for me specifically. I found a kindred spirit in Gifty. The book was relatively short, but I took my time to savour, to reflect on the stories relayed by her. I found myself needing breaks in between; purely because the story led me to my own discoveries. Gifty's "letters" to God really hit me hard.
I know I will sound cringey, but the book was rather transcending to me - it led me to go beyond the barriers I placed around my feelings. The book moved me to tears. One of my best reads. And Gyaasi is also becoming one of my favourites.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Racism and Ableism
Minor: Sexual content