Homegoing is a stunning saga spanning eight generations, starting with two half-sisters in Ghana, one who lives a life of relative ease in Cape Coast Castle, while the other is imprisoned in the same castle and sold off as a slave. The book is structured so that each chapter is in essence a short story focused on one person, alternating between the two sisters and their descendants through the generations.
Even though each chapter is about a different character, Gyasi deftly weaves together a complete and cohesive story, building each generation on the generations before. At the hands of a less capable author, the story could start to lose momentum as we switch from one character to another, but not here. I finished this book in just three days, unable to put it down or think about anything else.
At its heart, this book is trying to show the impact of slavery and colonialism on everyone. And that impact is felt for many generations, robbing families of spouses, parents, siblings, children, their dignity and often a fair shot at a good future. The stories in here are heartbreaking, made even more emotionally griping because they are a distillation of the true experiences of so many.
I've read a lot of books this year, and most will pass into and out of my memory with barely a backwards glance. But this book, with its rich and haunting narratives, I know will be seared into my memory as one of my favorite books this year.
Readaroo Rating: 5 stars!
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