Transcendent Kingdom Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2021

This is not an easy book to right. Despite the light tone, it handles heavy topics like depression, loss and racism. Gifty is a neuroscience PHD student who tries to analyze the addiction of her brother Nana who died from an overdosis. Which neurons are responsible for addiction? How can you prevent or stop addiction? At the same side, the return of her distanced mother reminds her of her childhood. Good memories from times when they were four family members come up. May religion help to cope with grief? Gifty is looking for answers, explores, tries to decipher everything. The (taboo) topic of mental health also plays an important role in this story. Her mother describes people with mental illnesses as "crazy". Until she herself is suffering from a depression and can't get out of her bed. Where is home? It is also a diaspora story, everyone with roots or parents from countries different than your actual location may relate to this story. I was deeply touched when reading this story. Gyasi has a rare talent to tell stories. But it is a sad story, it might not be the best choice if you are actually suffering from depression.