Main content

Yaa Gyasi: Homegoing

The devastating legacy of slavery confronted through one family through the generations

In this year-long celebration of The Exuberance of Youth, World Book Club revisits the multi-prize-winning debut novel Homegoing by the acclaimed Ghanaian author Yaa Gyasi.

The story of two half-sisters, separated by forces beyond their control: one sold into slavery, the other married to a white slave-trader, Homegoing traces the generations of family who follow, as their destinies lead them through two continents and three hundred years of history. A novel of remarkable sweep and power, with each character’s life indelibly drawn, Homegoing reveals the devastating legacy of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.

(Picture: Yaa Gyasi. Photo credit: Peter Hurley/Vilcek Foundation.)

Available now

49 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 Aug 2022 23:06GMT
BBC World Service

More episodes

Previous

Mohsin Hamid: Exit West

Next

Ben Lerner: Leaving the Atocha Station

See all episodes from World Book Club

Broadcasts

  • Sat 6 Aug 2022 11:06GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Sun 7 Aug 2022 02:06GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sun 7 Aug 2022 14:06GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
  • Sun 7 Aug 2022 16:06GMT
    BBC World Service News Internet
  • Wed 10 Aug 2022 09:06GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 10 Aug 2022 23:06GMT
    BBC World Service

Next recording: Percival Everett

Percival Everett will be discussing his Booker-shortlisted novel The Trees

Ten Amazing Interviews

Favourite episodes of World Book Club, featuring Maya Angelou and Henning Mankell.

Crime Fiction

Henning Mankel, Patrica Cornwell, Jo Nesbo: stars of the genre discuss their craft.

Tales from History

From the tulip fields of 17th Century Amsterdam to the trenches of World War One.

Podcast

  • World Book Club

    The world's great authors discuss their best-known novel.