CW: there are a lot here, it is a book about both the Black experience in the US from the days of human slavery to modern times and colonial Ghana so like, you may fill in the blanks
I really don’t know why this book took me so long to pick up! (This is a sentiment that will be repeated a few times in the next few reviews, be prepared)
There was a time (perhaps it is still ongoing) where the Hot Genre was inter generational fiction, and I think for the most part the threads that hold together books across generations are ones of trauma. Pachinko comes most quickly to mind as a book that required an enormous amount from the reader. I can’t say that I read very many of these sorts of books, but the shadow of that one did loom large and I was more wary of reading others since. I think I’ve done a decent job of diversifying parts of my reading repertoire, but I do think that there’s a gap when it comes to stories that center the less savory elements of humanity.
But then, knowing that I was about to dive into The 1619 Project for Banned Book Bookclub, I figured that this book would serve as a good, fictional entry into the journey. And while I was right, I realized there was no reason to hold off on reading this book for as long as I did, because it is a DELIGHT.
I wish I could remember exactly who it was who said this (perhaps faintingviolet?) but a genius of Gyasi is that each chapter in this novel is an entirely new POV and character, although in some way related to the prior character. While some might find this unfulfilling—you’re limited in the depth each character gets—I found it a perfect way to engage with the weighty themes being discussed. No matter what a character is going through (and, do not misunderstand me, it is horrific and sad and rage inducing in equal measures), you know that in a chapter you’ll get to jump forward. In one, sad sense, you know that both threads of the story must continue so you’re at least reassured of some plot armor. And by reading between the lines, you get to see the ultimate outcomes of the character from the prior chapter.
The writing is evocative and beautiful, and for what it’s worth the story being woven here is no less so for all that it deals with the worst that humanity has done on this planet. There are moments of joy interspersed throughout, kept alive in the best and worst of situations. I’m glad I got to enjoy this book, and I’m only sad I waited so long.
