41 pages • 1 hour read
Yaa GyasiTranscendent Kingdom
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.