Reviews

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

kassafras's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

jenfantoni's review against another edition

4.0

Beautifully written story that spans multi generations. Each chapter is told in the voice of a different character and I deducted one star because this makes the storyline a bit hard to follow at times. However, overall, it’s a wonderfully done novel.

lilimarleenm's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

5.0

megziemae's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

rachdotmoe's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense 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

jackslynn's review against another edition

4.0

Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing is a story of slavery and freedom. Two African half-sisters are separated at birth. Esi is destined to live as a slave in the American south while Effia will live as a free woman in her native Africa. Each chapter gives us a glimpse into the lives of these women and their subsequent generations. We feel their pain as they struggle to overcome the indignity of being labeled "second-class"or even non-human. What is most impressive about this book is that it tackles an issue that could be accusatory or inspire a defensive reaction in readers, but does neither. Gyasi does not criticize or scold. She simply tells readers what happened, who took part, and what the outcome was. We are left to decide how much of an effect family history had on the circumstances of these characters' lives. Homegoing could never be called an entertaining read but it's informative, emotional, and important.

lovebrydie's review against another edition

5.0

i have no words other than this book was amazing and will stay with me for a long time.

ialoneblue's review against another edition

5.0

An incredible and emotional book that takes you through a multi generational journey. It's a must read in my opinion. I enjoyed the structure of the book and even though you move on to a new person each chapter, you still were able get a rounded out story.

I did feel like most of the individual stories centered around

the moment the focus pov found their partners

while I totally understand why the author did that I found my self wanting to know more than that aspect. Again, I understand the importance of this approach in a story like this, the repetition was more noticeable especially closer to the end of the book.

crow3711's review against another edition

4.0

Very unique, heartfelt read. Sometimes overwhelming in scope, it can be hard to move on from so many characters so quickly. There were so many who I wanted to spend more time with. And trying to keep the two family trees in order as you go can be a lot, but it’s more about feeling than trying to know every detail, I think. I learned a lot about Ghana and the slave trade I’d never encountered before. This book will definitely stick with me.

dragonflymorning's review against another edition

4.0

Haunting and compelling. Each chapter delves into the life of another generation of one of two Ghanaian families from the 1700 to today. I was never ready for the chapter end.