from Ex Nihilo, bought because it looks so beautiful (with lovely endpapers, too). Hardback, perfect condition, 7 frs.

An excellent, well-written first novel which tells the fate of the descendants of two sisters (who do not know of each other's existence) on the west coast of Africa, from the 18th century to present-day Ghana. Much sorrow, tragedy, violence and emotion - if I didn't put ten stars it was because there was very little joy; it wrenched my heart all the way through but I could not put it down. Good, cathartic ending that makes you think that eventually things might work out as they should, after all the suffering.
The transition from African village to slavery, freedom and searching for roots has been told before, but I found the way Yaa Gyasi handled it to be quite original. I liked the pull of the black stone, and how the memories survived through dreams.

The family tree at the front is essential; I kept referring back to it all the time.

For the book swap game.

I was the lucky recipient of this book. I started it on Saturday afternoon and finished it today, Monday. It is one of those books that you just can't put down.
It is very informative and thought provoking, telling the harsh reality of the slave trade and the life of young blacks brought up in poverty in America. A lot of it is relevant today and brought back memories of my time in West Africa in the 80's.
This book is now going out as a bookring for others to enjoy.

I hope the next reader enjoys this book as much as I did.

Thank you teachie. I do like a good hard cover book ( even if it was a bit heavy for carry on luggage!)
Also pleased to see that it came from over-the-moon. Hi there. X