K'Lynn 8 - 8
I suspect we have Anansi (the shapeshifting African folklore spider) to thank for this one.
Or maybe some literary witch cast a juju spell.
Pardon the irreverence, but how else could Homegoing have been written?
She's a 26 year old Ghanian-by-birth Huntsville, Alabamian processing 350+ years of African American History and whipped it up in the tastiest ground nut stew of a novel like she was writing a shopping list; all served up in a 300 page bowl.
She's a confident voice for her age.
I like how the story advanced with short-story like vignettes alternating from Ghanian to American a generation at a time. That family tree at the beginning was essential in my understanding.
I thought the Ghana-centric half of the novel were better written, but I related more to the stories here in the States. I was caught in the thrall of truly wretched plantation life, convict labor in the coal mines, and the years before the Civil War in a society that oppresses or turns a blind eye to their struggles (to this day) at every turn.
Despite the vignette format (which makes it tough for the reader to bond with her finely-drawn characters), Yaa Gyasi has woven, Anansi-style, a literary gem here. Densely compact, tight as a drum yet light as air: an unforgettable achievement.
Becky 8 - 8
Thanked God for the family tree at the beginning. She was reminded of Olive Kitteridge's style: short scenes with multiple characters that occasionally overlap. So many social issues brought up in every chapter. The stories flowed from Effia and Esi with a great set up with one above the Castle and one below in the dungeon. Great - but horrible- visuals, horrid the way tribes warred against each other selling captives. That they would do this! The son who was half British and half black so difficult, so sad.The bathroom scene in Harlem, so well-written, so awful and horrible. Kojo/Joe who was more afraid of the crazy white people that wanted to help him than those who wanted harm.
Miles 9.5 - 9.5
Absolutely loved it, his favorite pick in years. Had mental block with the non-English names, so immediately began taking notes which helped. Wanted more story but got into the groove. Seemed like the offspring were extensions of their ancestors which gave them a commonality. Saw themes of Race, anger and almost more resentment at being displaced than anything else. The African stories were more horrid, what with death by fire and such, but the American ones were more heartbreaking. Was fascinated by the different roles that the men and women played. She equally distributed blame for everyone. Thought the role of Marjorie was likely autobiographical. She could have lectured at any time and tossed about Evil, but didn't. A fun read read. Miles loved it.
Letiticia 8.725 - 9
Her favorite in a long time with so much encapsulated in few pages. A similar scope to a Michener, but reading him is like a job. This was a beautifully succinct pleasure with so much contained within we could have a meeting about each chapter. She liked the character who left his arranged marriage in order to escape the shame of being associated with the slave trade only to become a failed farmer - and he counted himself ahead. A beautifully crafted book.
Sandy 7 - 7
Found there were too many characters, and by the time we got to Marjorie's chapter she thought to herself, "Stop! Just stop! No happy endings!" Never knew so much about what happened during the slave trade. Has seen the dungeons on TV. "Oh My God! I hated it and it made me so sad. It was so disturbing, so depressing. Glad it was picked." Angry that there was ever such a thing as the Fugitive Slave Act. Artie interjected here that this was an impetus of the Civil War. It made her so angry and there was much history she was unaware of. She would love to see more of this taught.
Artie 7.5 - 8
Was also reminded of Olive Kitteridge. Once he accepted that characters disappeared after nearly every chapter, he did better. The effect of the missionaries, who often meant well, can't be underestimated. Here, Artie shared Kris Kristofferson's song Jesus was a Capricorn which opines that everyone needs someone to look down on. Give it go. Like all good poetry it cuts to the quick. The sins of one generation are passed on to the next. Artie raised the following questions. Who's to blame for illegal drug trade? The end user, seller, importer, or grower? Mass shootings. Whose problem? The manufacturer's? Marketing? The gun shop? Ammo supplier? End user? Who bears the moral responsibility and to what degree? We often say the end user, but all bear to some degree.
Maggie 8 - 8
Thought it was a slow start and that it was going to be a slog. But then the writing elevated and it took off. She doesn't have an American history background with which to judge, and doesn't remember ever talking about slavery in England. Was Africa a better place to be? Some Africans still scar themselves as a reminder. The coal miner chapter brought a lot of stereotypical black men into the story and the end of it was a bit 'Circle of Life'. Once she became familiar with each chapter being self-contained, the story flowed and she loved it. Has not been so totally engrossed in a long, long time.
Pat 6.5 - 7
I enjoyed it at first. I love history and liked the depth the character's stories gave to my textbook knowledge of tribes selling captors. It all seemed very believable and I followed the sister's lineage for a while, but eventually the hopping back and forth from continents and decades of time became difficult to follow via bloodline. I didn't see the family tree! About 3/4 the way through I thought it would have been better with Michener's approach. Epics can be a chore, but they give more history to hang your hat on. I lost the spool of narrative and became impatient. I very much appreciated the discussion and would read again. Wish that I'd seen the family tree.
Caroline 7 - 7
What with weddings, teacher's conferences and the like she would read a little and then stop. Then, when she realized each chapter was a complete story in itself, she was able to adapt and enjoy. The family tree helped her. Noted that Native Americans did the same type of warring and would sell captive to trappers. Hence, Sacajawea. Was impressed by the amount of history that had to be researched. Such an impressive novel, so many horrible images. Loves books that teach something. Would read again.
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