41 pages • 1 hour read
Transcendent Kingdom
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Alabama • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, Gifty, a 28-year-old neuroscience PhD candidate, navigates understanding her family’s past and tragedy as she cares for her severely depressed Ghanaian-born mother. As she reflects on her brother’s opioid addiction and subsequent death, Gifty’s research into reward-seeking behavior in animals serves as a means to explore and potentially understand addiction. The narrative, enriched with reflections from Gifty’s childhood and her academic journey, delves into themes of mental health, family, and redemption. Topics include depressive episodes, addiction, and the loss of a family member.
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Melancholic
Informative
Reviews & Readership
162,608 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Yaa Gyasi's Transcendent Kingdom is praised for its eloquent prose and profound exploration of themes like faith, science, and addiction. Reviewers appreciate the nuanced character development and emotional depth but some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's regarded as a compelling and thought-provoking read, showcasing Gyasi's literary skills.
Who Should Read Transcendent Kingdom?
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi appeals to readers who appreciate intricate family dramas and deep explorations of faith, science, and heritage. Fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun and Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You will find its emotional depth and cultural nuance particularly compelling.
162,608 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gifty’s Mother
Gifty’s Mother
Born in Ghana, she emigrates to the United States with hopes of a better life, working hard but faced with significant family challenges. Her character is marked by resilience and a struggle with depression, seeking redemption in her relationship with Gifty.
Nana
Nana
Gifty’s brother, whose athletic promise in sports such as soccer and basketball is cut short by a battle with opioid addiction following an injury. He has a significant impact on Gifty’s life and her understanding of family dynamics.
288
Novel • Fiction
Alabama • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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