So you read this sister story by Yaa Gyasi, and now you’re on the hunt for books like Homegoing? Welcome!
Recommending readalikes can be a tricky process, but as I said in the first post in this series, I enjoy the process of finding similar threads running through even books that appear different on the surface. Today’s pick is Yaa Gyasi’s sweeping debut novel about two sisters separated by events during the African slave trade and the ripple effects throughout their families spanning over several decades.
I’ve also shared readalikes for fans Gyasi’s sophomore release Transcendent Kingdom in the past, so you can check that out if you enjoyed that book. Here’s my readalike criterion: Each book I recommend must have at least three strong similarities with the beloved title. For each recommended book, I’ll also highlight major differences to keep in mind, just in case they might put you off. If you loved this book, here are more books like Homegoing.
Ready? Let’s go.
Books Like Homegoing
Pachinko
Similarities:
- Sweeping family saga spanning several decades
- Rich historical fiction about Japan and Korea
- Strong immigration theme
Differences:
- Set in Asia, not Africa
- Not centered on two sisters, but one woman’s family
Diamond Head
Similarities:
- Heavy family drama and dysfunction
- Story spans several decades
- Love, secrets intertwined with Chinese and Hawaiian history
Differences:
- Set in China and Hawaii, not Africa
Kintu
Similarities:
- Generational family saga
- Set in Uganda, Africa
- Rich historical details
The Most Fun We Ever Had
Similarities:
- A family story spanning several decades
- Focuses on sister-sister relationships, but also on their parents’ relationship
- Full of family drama and revelations
Differences:
- Not set in Africa or related to immigration
These Ghosts are Family
Similarities:
- Family story spanning decades
- Immigration and slaver are major themes
- Love, infidelity, and family drama
Differences:
- Set in Jamaica and the US, not Africa
Commonwealth
Similarities:
- Immersive family saga
- Follows parents and siblings over several decades
- Sibling drama and family secrets
Differences:
- Not set in Africa
- No real focus on immigration, race, or slavery
The Vanishing Half
Similarities:
- Two sisters take separate life paths
- Generational family saga
- Race and prejudice are major themes
Differences:
- Not set in Africa
Half of a Yellow Sun
Similarities:
- Set in Nigeria, Africa
- Follows the relationship of two sisters over a decade
- Strong connections to history, immigration, and war
Differences:
- No real slave trade connections
Your turn! Which books like Homegoing would you recommend and why? I’d love to hear from you. Also, I would love your help with this series. Which middle-grade, chapter books, or picture books, or even YA books would you love readalikes for? Let me know!
More Readalike Posts
- 10 Books like Americanah
- 6 Books like Save Me a Seat
- 9 Books like From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- 6 Books like Transcendent Kingdom
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson