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kcmoss's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
So, I bought Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi last summer and it's been sitting on my bookshelf for a year because I think I've avoided reading it because of the anticipated emotional intensity of it, plus, so many people said that I was going to love it, and so I wanted to hold off for as long as I could (IYKYK). I'm happy to report that it is officially the best book I've read in 2024 (and now one of my favorite books of all time). This book is objectively a masterpiece and that still feels grossly understated. The story begins with two half-sisters in 18th century Ghana, who do not know their half-sisters, where one gets sold into slavery while the other marries a slaver. Each chapter focuses on a family member from each generation underneath them, from which you get to learn about other characters from different perspectives. I really liked each vignette, as the book kind of read like a collection of interconnected short stories and I was constantly referring back to the family tree in the front of the book. Homegoing is remarkable as it covers almost 300 years of history in about 300 pages beautifully and accessibly. I don't want to give too much away but I would highly recommend this book, especially if you love historical fiction. As for the content warnings, obviously this book is centered around the history of slavery and many chapters depict the trauma, pain, and suffering endured by our ancestors in great detail. Still, the easiest 5 stars I've ever given.
dkremraf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of my favorite reads of all time. I could not put this book down. A breathtaking saga of love, family, history, trauma, and so much more. Extraordinary highs and lows, just beautiful.
hilarymofi's review against another edition
5.0
How can a book make me feel such contradicting things, and yet become one of my favorites of all time? I was equal parts destroyed, depleted by the suffering these characters experienced and yet also felt hope that ultimately enriched my life. It makes me to want to dig deeper into my ancestors’ pasts to experience my own homegoing. As heartbreaking as the past is for Black folk, it tells us so much about what we experience today. Everything comes full circle and maybe, just maybe, there is meaning to be found in suffering.
I know this is a vague review, but the book was utterly spellbinding, there is too much to put into words. It’s told from different perspectives of people who are all related. It reveals the experiences of Blacks through a century. It should be required reading for...everyone.
I know this is a vague review, but the book was utterly spellbinding, there is too much to put into words. It’s told from different perspectives of people who are all related. It reveals the experiences of Blacks through a century. It should be required reading for...everyone.
epiphanii's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
elfab's review against another edition
5.0
Every time I had to put this book down, I was itching to get back to it. A must read
linaver's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a highlight of my year 2023. It's a brilliant, beautiful piece of poetry - from the first word to the last.