Homegoing

Wow.

Wow, this book.

You've probably never read anything quite like it. And, I can't wait to read something like this again.

Homegoing is a story of family, of history and of the legacy that's embedded deep in our DNA. Embedded even more firmly when you're a descendant of the slave trade. This story begins on Africa's Gold Coast in the 18th century, in a village where human beings are bought and sold. It ends in America, centuries later, where the scars of slavery remain. In between, you live through generations, volleying back and forth between two families. You get one chapter for every character, leaving you wanting more and giving you hints of the progression that moves the family through time. Through their stories, you see a butterfly effect of how minor acts and small decisions can set a family's course for generations.

I just read another review of this book and about how the title is taken from an African-American belief that death transports the spirit back to Africa. Here, you see the echoes of those early days in the village playing out in their descendants. You see in vivid prose that the curse of slavery continues to damage, long after the practice was outlawed.

This book is uniquely told, beautifully written and incredibly moving. Easily one of the best books I've read this year.