Why Transcendent Kingdom Didn’t Resonate With Me Like Homegoing Did
by Yaa Gyasi
I must admit, I wasn’t transcended by Transcendent Kingdom in the way I had hoped. Yaa Gyasi’s introspective novel, which centers on Gifty, a Ghanaian-American woman navigating the intersections of faith, science, family, and addiction, just didn’t move me as much as I expected it would. The complexity of Gifty’s internal struggles—the trauma of losing her brother to addiction, her relationship with her family, and her search for meaning within her scientific career—are undeniably profound. Yet, despite the emotional depth of the novel, I found myself somewhat detached from her journey.
Having previously been so deeply affected by Gyasi’s Homegoing, which explored the expansive, multi-generational story of two Ghanaian families, Transcendent Kingdom lacked that same historical scope and sweeping narrative that resonated so strongly with me. The depth and range of the characters in Homegoing, alongside the exploration of the African diaspora across centuries, felt like a richer experience overall. Transcendent Kingdom, while well-crafted and thought-provoking, felt more focused on Gifty’s personal journey in the present day, and I struggled to connect with it in the same way.
However, I do acknowledge that Transcendent Kingdom has its own strengths and will undoubtedly attract readers who resonate with Gifty’s story. The beauty of literature is that each book impacts readers differently—what might not move one person can deeply affect another, and that’s what makes reading such a personal and subjective experience. It’s okay for not every book to have the same impact on every reader. The diversity of experiences is part of what makes literature so enriching.
Reflecting on this reading experience, I also find myself missing the dynamic and insightful discussions I used to have with my book club girls, @aiss_diane, @angwatolaa, @muyafula, and @justkeshiia. Having an in-real-life book club where you can share perspectives, challenge one another’s interpretations, and sometimes even change your mind about a book because of a fresh perspective—those moments are truly magical. It’s in those conversations that I’ve often been inspired to go back to a book with a different lens, sometimes even seeing it in a new light.
In the end, Transcendent Kingdom is undoubtedly an important and carefully written novel, and it may resonate deeply with those who are drawn to its themes. While it didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as Homegoing, I respect the novel for its exploration of complex, contemporary issues, and I believe many readers will find it thought-provoking and insightful.