Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

 Gift is a young woman marked by the tragedy of losing a brother and dealing with the ripple effects that it has on her family.  Now studying neuroscience and addiction, her past catches up with her as her mother relapses into the depression that claimed her all those years ago.  Grappling with the realities of science and her the faith she grew up with, Gifty is determined to discover a scientific basis for suffering.

Gyasi writes a beautiful tale of family in Transcendent Kingdom.  The topics of emigration, science, love, faith, addiction and what it means to be a family are masterfully and poetically woven together.  Gifty has a powerful voice that I believe will resonate with anyone that has struggled to find their way in the world, especially those that grapple with questions of faith.

I will definitely be checking out  Homegoing by Gyasi, but I think readers of Elizabeth Strout and Michael Chabon will also enjoy this one.  A 5/5 star rating from me!