A review by jackslynn
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

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.