Publication date: June 7, 2016
Pages: 313 pages
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Sweet Spark: I definitely googled the family tree to review this book during and after - such amazing related characters sharing their stories.
I tend to avoid books that are really hyped up. Both because my to-be-read list is already astronomical before I hear of them, and frankly because they're harder to get a hold of. That being said, I'm so glad I finally read this one for my Yelp! book club.
This was the compelling story of Esi and Effia - half sisters born in nearby villages in Ghana in the 1700s who never met and knew only vaguely of each others' existence - and many of those who followed in their respective bloodlines up to contemporary times. The way it was told almost reminded me of a collection of short stories, except you could trace and link their stories back to Esi and Effia.
One person's story was given from each generation from each of the lineages, more or less. The family trees available online were so helpful in trying to remember and sort them out (although I actually didn't consult them until I was trying to summarize the stories for my daughter). The individuals and their stories were so beautifully told and inspirational.
I couldn't help but give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can see this being something I might read again, when my to-be-read list is shorter than I am and I have a bit more free time in my life.
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