RaveThe Harvard CrimsonThis novel crafts a raw analysis of religion, mental illness, and addiction through the lens of a uniquely authentic character ... Gifty’s childhood allows Gyasi to project deeply philosophical reflections upon her character. The dimensionality of Gifty’s perspectives make her character so incredibly convincing that it\'s hard to believe that this is a novel to begin with ... a story that will stick with you. It won’t fill your mind with wonder and adornment for the strength of the characters, but it is undeniably heart-breaking, and it will give you the opportunity to reflect. Gyasi’s writing forces us to reconsider the notions we hold about sensitive topics like addiction and mental illness ... Although Gifty is a complex and uncommon character, her struggles can easily be resonated with and that opens the window for self-reflection. She even went to Harvard for her undergraduate degree, and while her experiences are fictional, she comes off as your average Harvard student. Beyond that, her childhood as the daughter of an immigrant family is an accurate and poignant illustration that many can identify with ... does have specific and distinct characters, but that should not deter anyone from reading this novel. For those looking for an exciting and thrilling plot, this may not be a great fit. There is great rhythm in the writing, but it is more of a slow-burn, especially towards the middle ... the discussion of Christianity is not a jaded one, nor is it biased. Rather, it offers an insight into the place that religion has in a scientific world, where the ends of scientific inquiry often turn to philosophy ... [Gyasi] succeeds tremendously in portraying a character rich in depth, emotion, and determination that is unlike much else out there.
