Homegoing

A Novel

By: Yaa Gyasi

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

Winner of the NBCC's John Leonard First Book Prize
A New York Times 2016 Notable Book
One of Oprah’s 10 Favorite Books of 2016
NPR's Debut Novel of the Year
One of Buzzfeed's Best Fiction Books Of 2016
One of Time's Top 10 Novels of 2016

“Homegoing is an inspiration.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates


The unforgettable New York Times best seller begins with the story of two half-sisters, separated by forces beyond their control: one sold into slavery, the other married to a British slaver. Written with tremendous sweep and power, Homegoing traces the generations of family who follow, as their destinies lead them through two continents and three hundred years of history, each life indeliably drawn, as the legacy of slavery is fully revealed in light of the present day.

Effia and Esi are born into different villages in eighteenth-century Ghana. Effia is married off to an Englishman and lives in comfort in the palatial rooms of Cape Coast Castle. Unbeknownst to Effia, her sister, Esi, is imprisoned beneath her in the castle’s dungeons, sold with thousands of others into the Gold Coast’s booming slave trade, and shipped off to America, where her children and grandchildren will be raised in slavery. One thread of Homegoing follows Effia’s descendants through centuries of warfare in Ghana, as the Fante and Asante nations wrestle with the slave trade and British colonization. The other thread follows Esi and her children into America. From the plantations of the South to the Civil War and the Great Migration, from the coal mines of Pratt City, Alabama, to the jazz clubs and dope houses of twentieth-century Harlem, right up through the present day, Homegoing makes history visceral, and captures, with singular and stunning immediacy, how the memory of captivity came to be inscribed in the soul of a nation.

Includes a PDF of the Family Tree

Beautiful Story of Family and America's Great Shame

This was hard to listen to, but I loved each carefully crafted character. It helped me understand the current state of Blacks in America, how this nation got to this place. I wish all my conservative friends would read it, but I doubt they will. I recommend this to anyone, like Marjorie, who loves books that speak to your heart.

wow. just wow.

I have listened and read many, many books. This is, by far, one of my favorites. The story is perfection.

Beautiful Storytelling

I couldn't stop reading/listening to this novel! The storytelling and plot development are both, top notch. The perspectives of each chapter's characters was truly awe inspiring. This novel explored identity, affinity, the foundation of power and moral development. All of the book's lessons were centered in love and understanding. Magnificent storytelling!

OUTSTANDING BOOK!

If you could sum up Homegoing in three words, what would they be?

Thought provoking, entertaining, enjoyable!

What other book might you compare Homegoing to and why?

ROOTS

Which character – as performed by Dominic Hoffman – was your favorite?

Esi asara

Who was the most memorable character of Homegoing and why?

Crazy woman- or Akua was definitely the most memorable

Any additional comments?

Great book!

I’m glad this book exists. Black people should read this. So many stories here exploring various experiences as a person of African descent, the stories are woven together beautifully. I appreciate so much this author 💜