Reviews

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

firoana's review against another edition

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5.0

This read like an autobiography

nktabrgla's review against another edition

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5.0

If every book was this good I would have read a million more books in my life. Everyone needs to run to read this. Although not a memoir, it reads like a memoir in its earnestness and vulnerability. By the end you don't know whether to cry or see the hope. Definitely one of my all time favorite books.

ntronzo's review against another edition

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I really enjoyed this one. God/religion is a major theme throughout the entire book, so if that’s not for you then maybe this book isn’t for you either. That being said, this book did not feel “preachy” to me and it seemed more like it was focused around Gifty’s journey, religion was just a part of that journey. It was quite sad in some parts, but I ended the book feeling somewhat uplifted.
More character driven than plot driven as well!

laylarouse's review against another edition

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5.0

This book provides an honest viewpoint of a young African American woman who grew up as an immigrant in Alabama. The story deals with intense topics (primarily depression & drug addition with some instances of racism). A well-written perspective with a blend of psychology, neuroscience and real-life.

michele_la's review against another edition

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3.0

It pains me to give this only 3 stars because the writing is lovely and the content is deep. I had trouble following the story - what was the story? I think it could have used some tightening up.

zuzubee's review against another edition

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5.0

Hard to read but a good reflection on life through I character I could see so much of myself in. A healing process through grieving with a fictional character.

joyfulreadswithjoy's review against another edition

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5.0

Incredible. Loved loved loved.

vanblarcumc's review against another edition

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5.0

Homegoing was one of the best debut novels that I’ve read, and Gyasi managed to write an even better novel in Transcendent Kingdom. Moving portrait of an African immigrant family, with profundity on the character’s inner struggle dealing with loss and how it weaves into her own work. I felt at times with Homegoing that I could have used a bit more time learning about each of the characters because of how broad in scope it was; Transcendent Kingdom shows how Gyasi’s talent can shine in even a smaller scale with space to let the philosophical insights ruminate.

bradleyfrederick's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a really beautiful book. I enjoyed Gifty’s perspective and how intimately we got to know her life. This is unlike most mental health novels in that all of the characters are more than their mental illness. I also enjoyed the conversations of reconciling faith and science.

girlglitch's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved Homegoing, so in some ways I was a little apprenhensive about reading Yaa Gyasi's sophomore effort - could it live up to my expectations?

The answer is yes. While very different in terms of tone and scale, Transcendent Kingdom is no less impressive than her debut. Gyasi addresses the issues of faith and addiction with characteristic insight and clear-sighted prose. She explores weighty themes such as racism, mental health and neuroscience with a deft touch, in a way that is both intelligent and unpretentious.

Transcendent Kingdom is a stunning novel - smart, sensitive and a real pleasure to read.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*