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About This Book
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and painful history of slavery and its lasting impact on generations of families. Written by Yaa Gyasi, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and literary works that explore themes of identity, family, and social justice.
Who Uses It?
Primarily, Homegoing is used by students and educators in high school and college-level literature and history classes. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the historical context of slavery and its ongoing effects on society. The book's themes and narrative structure make it an excellent choice for book clubs and discussions about social justice and historical trauma.
History and Editions
Homegoing was first published on May 2, 2017, and has since become a critically acclaimed novel. The book follows the parallel paths of two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, born in 18th century Ghana and explores their lives and descendants over eight generations. This edition has been widely praised for its beautiful prose and its ability to illuminate the troubled legacy of slavery.
Author and Other Works
Yaa Gyasi was born in Ghana and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds a BA in English from Stanford University and an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she held a Dean’s Graduate Research Fellowship. Gyasi’s writing is known for its lyrical style and its ability to tackle complex historical themes with sensitivity and depth. In addition to Homegoing, Gyasi has written Transcendent Kingdom, which explores themes of family, identity, and mental health.
Key Features
- Historical Context: The book provides a detailed exploration of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on families and communities.
- Parallel Narratives: The novel follows two distinct narratives that run parallel to each other, offering a nuanced understanding of the experiences of those who were taken and those who stayed.
- Symbolic Themes: The title "Homegoing" symbolizes the journey of the characters as they navigate their lives and legacies, highlighting themes of identity, family, and belonging.
- Awards and Recognition: Homegoing has received numerous awards and accolades, including the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Prize and the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Fiction.
Detailed Information
ISBNs and Formats
- Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9781101971062
- Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780735208193
- Audiobook: ISBN-13: Not specified (available for download)
- E-book: Not specified (available through various e-book platforms)
Publication Details
- Publisher: Penguin Random House
- Publication Date: May 2, 2017
- Number of Pages: 320 pages
- Language: English
Other Editions and Formats
- Paperback (2016): ISBN-13: 9781101947135
- Paperback (2016): ISBN-13: 9780451484185
- Audiobook (2017): Read by Dominic Hoffman
Awards and Recognition
- National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize Winner (2016)
- PEN/Hemingway Award for Best First Novel Winner (2017)
- Audie Awards Winner (2017)
- Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Fiction Finalist (2017)
- PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize Finalist (2017)
- British Book Award – Book of the Year (Overall) Shortlist (2018)
- Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist (2017)
This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Homegoing, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.
