Homegoing - by Yaa Gyasi

I mentioned this book in a previous post: "My 2017 Watch List". Naturally, as soon as I saw the book in the library I grabbed it with both hands. I had extremely high expectations, and I was not disappointed. I can very easily say that this is one of the best books I  have ever read. 

The story spans over three centuries and three countries: the now Ghana, England, and America. I absolutely loved the structure of the book and the way Yaa Gyasi uses this to tell us the epic tales. We hear from fourteen people, through eight generations, with such fluidity - there is no confusion, no flicking back to re-read and understand. 

Homegoing lays bear the effects of colonialism. Gyasi is unapologetic about her words, her characters are unapologetic about their thoughts, their feelings, their actions.

The story begins with Effia and Esi, two half-sisters who never meet. One is sold into slavery whilst the other is married off to an Englishman. The consequences of this one action ripple through the generations. We witness the effects this has on both parties' families, how different and how similar their lives are because of that one event.

I couldn't possibly discuss each character - I would easily end up writing an essay. I have grown with these characters. Each of them sang their own song, and each song was music to my ears. They were the type of songs one hopes will never end. At the end of each chapter I was left a little disappointed - saddened that Gyasi cut it short. However, it was all necessary. Gyasi so beautifully weaves together the intricacies of each life, each story, that in actual fact it was as if the chapter never ended. She is a master raconteur.

Homegoing is not just a book. Gyasi has given us an experience, a lesson. We are taught about racism, the slave trade, colonialism. We experience the joys and the struggles. The use of language and dialogue is rich and full of detail. Despite the three century history, not once are the stories rushed or half-hearted. Each tale is as powerful and touching as those before and after it. 

Gyasi masters the beautiful and seamless transition between past, present, and future. I kept telling myself "one more page, just another, only to the end of the chapter" until I had unwittingly turned the final page. I have too many words, and not enough words, to describe this book. I know I will be reading this one repeatedly!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Genre: Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction

Publisher: Viking

Date of publication: 5th January 2017

Pages: 320

My rating: 5 out of 5

#review #bookreview #fiction #historicalfiction #history #literaryfiction #colonialism #slavery