This book was astonishing. I loved the narrator. Originally posted here!


I listened to the audiobook for Homegoing, because my library didn’t have a physical copy, and I will definitely be buying myself a copy of this book. Holy smokes, this was good.

I know so many people through Twitter that read this book, and I’m so glad I listened to their recommendation.

Homegoing was an amazing saga, told through the perspective of one child from each generation, of each side of the family. I kept being drawn in and learning a little bit more from each character, and I loved it, despite the fact that every character suffered in their own way throughout the book.

Characters in this book suffer rape, torture, murder and slavery, as well as from their own devices. This is a book full of really difficult things to read about, so be careful if these things will trigger you.

One section in particular spoke to me about something I always need to remember, especially with my job as a journalist. I’ve always been taught that history is told by the people who win, and this quote perfectly encapsulates why I wanted to be a journalist. I want my voice to lift voices up that need it, and to get out of the way for them. I want to find the true story, as often as humanly possible.

“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.”

This was an absolute five star read for me. I can’t recommend this book enough, seriously. It’s painful, it’s heartbreaking and it’s beautiful.