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readwithsabs 's review for:
Transcendent Kingdom
by Yaa Gyasi
This book is not a fast pace read.
This book is not action packed.
This book has a pretty cover yet with nothing pretty about it inside.
Let me start by saying, the book is sad and heart wrenching yet beautifully crafted.
What it is is a profound character driven look at Gifty the protagonist's desperate bid to understand living with the effects of growing up in an immigrant family in Alabama, where love and affection was not displayed or found in any abundance. When tragedy hits when her brother dies of an overdose Gifty makes it her life’s mission to understand depression and addiction. To come to terms with the grief that plagues her and her parents Gifty fervently ploughs her energy into science, and grapples with her evangelistic faith based foundations from childhood and questions whether faith and science can exist side by side. It reads like a scientific experiment. It's extraordinary. And most certainly a unique piece of fiction that I have ever read.
I loved this book.
It is a relatively short read at 256 pages but boy does it pack some heart wrenching punch. I enjoyed the pace, with the second half really holding me captive. There is hope through the heartbreak. I thought Gifty was a rich character in all her brokenness what she lacked in self esteem she makes up for in great strength, intelligence and determined courage.
I read Homegoing before this and I can say it is a completely different book. Not worthy to be compared by one another as each deals with such deep and emotionally driven topics of great difference. What is relatable is Gyasi’s ability to break down these deep themes with ease without it becoming heavy or dragging. It is so raw and it left me questioning if Gyasi has experienced this kind of familial loss and addition herself?
This book deserves all praise. It is no wonder at all it is longlisted for the women’s prize. Thank you Yaa Gyasi for blessing us all with your wondrous talents. I am ready and excited for whatever she is to write next. You have my eyes, ears and heart open and waiting.
Thank you to NetGalley and @vikingbooksuk for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is not action packed.
This book has a pretty cover yet with nothing pretty about it inside.
Let me start by saying, the book is sad and heart wrenching yet beautifully crafted.
What it is is a profound character driven look at Gifty the protagonist's desperate bid to understand living with the effects of growing up in an immigrant family in Alabama, where love and affection was not displayed or found in any abundance. When tragedy hits when her brother dies of an overdose Gifty makes it her life’s mission to understand depression and addiction. To come to terms with the grief that plagues her and her parents Gifty fervently ploughs her energy into science, and grapples with her evangelistic faith based foundations from childhood and questions whether faith and science can exist side by side. It reads like a scientific experiment. It's extraordinary. And most certainly a unique piece of fiction that I have ever read.
I loved this book.
It is a relatively short read at 256 pages but boy does it pack some heart wrenching punch. I enjoyed the pace, with the second half really holding me captive. There is hope through the heartbreak. I thought Gifty was a rich character in all her brokenness what she lacked in self esteem she makes up for in great strength, intelligence and determined courage.
I read Homegoing before this and I can say it is a completely different book. Not worthy to be compared by one another as each deals with such deep and emotionally driven topics of great difference. What is relatable is Gyasi’s ability to break down these deep themes with ease without it becoming heavy or dragging. It is so raw and it left me questioning if Gyasi has experienced this kind of familial loss and addition herself?
This book deserves all praise. It is no wonder at all it is longlisted for the women’s prize. Thank you Yaa Gyasi for blessing us all with your wondrous talents. I am ready and excited for whatever she is to write next. You have my eyes, ears and heart open and waiting.
Thank you to NetGalley and @vikingbooksuk for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.