I really wish I could have enjoyed this book more. The concept of following different ancestors seemed really cool to me.
However, the book felt more like a collection of short stories with characters who are related. Because of the small time spend with each character and the fast pacing, I couldn't really connect with the characters as much as I would have liked to.
On the other hand, this book gives a good view of what slave trade and colonisation has done to African Americans and Africans in general. I think it is important to know and it gives a good insight in how things like racism came to be. For me, it even feels more important knowing that the Dutch played a big role in this.
The things the characters went through were mercilessly described and I am glad that it wasn't sugar coated. I think Yaa Gyasi really tried her best to write these stories as realistically as she could. And I don't think that was easy.
I would recommend it if you like short stories or if you want to know more about 'the Black experience'.