TL;DR
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a profound novel tracing the parallel lives of two half-sisters and their descendants across eight generations, illustrating the enduring impact of slavery on those taken and those who stayed.
What is Homegoing about
Homegoing is an extraordinary novel by Yaa Gyasi that spans two and a half centuries, starting in eighteenth-century Ghana. It follows the lives of two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, who are unaware of each other's existence. Effia marries an Englishman and lives in comfort, while Esi is captured, imprisoned, and sold into slavery. The novel explores the divergent paths of their descendants, from the Gold Coast to America, highlighting the legacy of slavery and its impact on both those who were taken and those who remained. Gyasi's narrative brings to light the resilience and suffering etched into the souls of generations.
Homegoing 6 Key Takeaways
Two half-sisters unaware of each other
Effia and Esi are born in different villages in Ghana. Effia is married off to an Englishman, while Esi is captured and sold into slavery.
Effia's life in Cape Coast Castle
Effia lives a relatively comfortable life with her English husband in the Cape Coast Castle, unaware that her half-sister Esi is imprisoned in the dungeons below.
Esi's journey to America
Esi is sold into slavery and transported to America, where she endures the horrors of plantation life and the trauma of being separated from her homeland.
Generational impact of slavery
The novel follows the descendants of Effia and Esi through eight generations, showing how the legacy of slavery affects each subsequent generation in different ways.
American Civil War and its aftermath
The story captures the experiences of the descendants during significant historical events, including the Civil War and the Great Migration to Harlem.
Reconnection of descendants
In the final chapters, the descendants of Effia and Esi unknowingly cross paths, symbolizing a reconnection and an attempt to heal the wounds of the past.
Top Homegoing Quotes
- 'We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story.'
- 'The family is like a forest; when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place.'
Who should read Homegoing?
Homegoing is a must-read for those interested in historical fiction, African and African American history, and the long-lasting effects of slavery. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of cultural identity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of human experiences across generations.
Homegoing Best Reviews
- 'An incredible story woven through 8 generations into present day. Gyasi's writing style brings the words to life, making readers feel as if they are living alongside the characters.' - Reader Review
- 'Gyasi’s extraordinary novel illuminates slavery’s troubled legacy both for those who were taken and those who stayed.' - New York Times
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Homegoing FAQs
What is the overall message of Homegoing?
Homegoing illuminates slavery's troubled legacy, both for those who were taken and those who stayed, through the parallel paths of Effia and Esi and their descendants.
How many pages is Homegoing?
The first edition of Homegoing in hardcover has 320 pages.
Is Homegoing a good book?
Homegoing is widely praised for its compelling storytelling and in-depth exploration of complex themes, making it a highly recommended read.