A review by vaniavela
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Homegoing is a look at the history of colonialism and slavery in Ghana and America, spanning 300 years. Following seven generations, it all begins with two half-sisters who never met.
The novel explores the slave trade and shows us life in Ghana at the time. Through 14 perspectives, we explore America's and Ghana's relationship with slavery.
I loved the depth of the characters in each chapter. The lives of each descendant is complex, being brutally affected by the events of the time, or those that happened to their ancestors. Gyasi only uses twenty pages for each generation, but she fills their stories with detail, allowing us to learn about them. My only wish would be to read more of the characters; when I became attached to one, we would switch to another, and it was sad. Also, at first I was confused when the narration jumped to the sister's descendant, but as I read, I picked up the format.
It is hard to believe that this is Yaa Gyasi's first novel. Everything is portrayed in minute detail, the violence and events are acutely depicted, and the characters are well written. Undoubtedly a moving book.
cw: child/domestic abuse, chattel slavery, racism, racial slurs, whipping, rape/sexual assault, suicide, IV drug use (heroin), colonialism, lynching, beating, violence, war, incarceration, police brutality, mental illness, whipping.
The novel explores the slave trade and shows us life in Ghana at the time. Through 14 perspectives, we explore America's and Ghana's relationship with slavery.
I loved the depth of the characters in each chapter. The lives of each descendant is complex, being brutally affected by the events of the time, or those that happened to their ancestors. Gyasi only uses twenty pages for each generation, but she fills their stories with detail, allowing us to learn about them. My only wish would be to read more of the characters; when I became attached to one, we would switch to another, and it was sad. Also, at first I was confused when the narration jumped to the sister's descendant, but as I read, I picked up the format.
It is hard to believe that this is Yaa Gyasi's first novel. Everything is portrayed in minute detail, the violence and events are acutely depicted, and the characters are well written. Undoubtedly a moving book.
cw: child/domestic abuse, chattel slavery, racism, racial slurs, whipping, rape/sexual assault, suicide, IV drug use (heroin), colonialism, lynching, beating, violence, war, incarceration, police brutality, mental illness, whipping.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Colonisation, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Drug use, Rape, Suicide, Violence, and War
Minor: Mental illness