Homegoing

Image Source

Book: Homegoing

Writer: Yaa Gyasi

Genre: Historical fiction

Language: English

“We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, Whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.”

The story begins in late 1700, of two women living in Ghana. Despite sharing a mother their lives move in a different directions, one being the wife of a rich slave trader and other being a slave. The narration takes us through seven generations of same family.

Racism, slave trade, and violence are explained in graphic details. So, stay clear if you are faint hearted.

I vaguely remember reading about 'Door of no return' a few years ago. Here, I get to know about that in gory details.

It's a wonderful read of the year. I was surprised to know this is Gyasi's debut. I sure will be picking Transcendent Kingdom in coming days.