Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

‘Slavery’. This is a word spoken of so often to the extent that it has become a normal, albeit casual phenomenon yet, its true depth can never be fully understood until one hears the horrific tales and personal encounters of those who lived through it. Yaa Gyasi in this book reveals the sad, harrowing and unbelievable plight that Africans, particularly those from the Gold Coast faced. Stories are told of Africans plucked from their homeland, shipped in despicable conditions to toil in foreign lands. On the other hand, other Africans turned on their own, capturing and selling them for their own self gain. Yaa speaks of generations brought forth by two African sisters born during such times, the struggles they faced, the different forms of slavery, generation after generation both in Africa and abroad.

The underlying lesson that I get from this book however, is the power of love, hope and perseverance that was the corner stone ensuring the survival of generations despite the extreme hardship and unwarranted adversity. This book has to be by far one of the best that I’ve ever read. The talented writer is rich in descriptive language and lucid narratives that takes the reader through numerous journeys in terms of time and geographical locations in a structured well thought out manner. A must read for everyone, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.