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A review by kaitlyncookies
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
An excellent novel for anyone looking for an honest, nuanced depiction of an individual’s relationship to religion and science.
***
***
Transcendent Kingdom is a novel told in vignettes that go back and forth between the main character Gifty’s childhood/adolescence and the present day where she is an adult. Because it is non-linear it did take me a bit of time to get into it, but Gyasi’s prose kept my attention. The novel’s structure lends itself well to its subject matter, the grey area of religion and spirituality.
This novel is very nuanced because the main character’s faith is shaken by a tragedy that lacks the sudden senselessness of a more spontaneous death. Instead Gifty witnesses the drawn out demise that often accompanies addiction. In my opinion this book had a very accurate depiction of a loss of faith, in that it is less like a switch being turned off, but more like a river that over time loses its intensity and may totally dry up in some seasons, or forever.
This novel is very nuanced because the main character’s faith is shaken by a tragedy that lacks the sudden senselessness of a more spontaneous death. Instead Gifty witnesses the drawn out demise that often accompanies addiction. In my opinion this book had a very accurate depiction of a loss of faith, in that it is less like a switch being turned off, but more like a river that over time loses its intensity and may totally dry up in some seasons, or forever.
Gyasi’s prose feel so honest that this novel reads more like a memoir. The scientific side of this novel was also incredibly realistic and an interesting counterpoint to Gifty’s spiritual upbringing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying