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jose_kg's review against another edition
This was a mystery book that was sent to me. I had hopes that it would be a bit like Half of a Yellow Sun but, at least what I read, was a lot more rooted in the mundanity of the UK, which is fine, it's just not what I was expecting.
I didn't really connect with the characters. On the surface the narrative is told from the perspective of Yvonne and Kiama, but the focus is squarely on Kiama's parents, Lewis and Emma, particularly Emma. 170 pages in I felt I knew a lot more about Lewis and Emma than I did about the "main" characters.
Overall I just didn't really find the story compelling, I might give it another go in the future but for right now I'm done.
I didn't really connect with the characters. On the surface the narrative is told from the perspective of Yvonne and Kiama, but the focus is squarely on Kiama's parents, Lewis and Emma, particularly Emma. 170 pages in I felt I knew a lot more about Lewis and Emma than I did about the "main" characters.
Overall I just didn't really find the story compelling, I might give it another go in the future but for right now I'm done.
paigehamlett1's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
eleanorkt93's review against another edition
4.0
Heartfelt book about friendships, relationships, secrets and loss. Like Luan Goldie's style of writing that makes for a nice read
_katsullivan's review against another edition
4.0
Homecoming involves complex, interesting relationships between people, and how they change over the years and with big life events. Nobody feels perfect, they all have their own flaws and make choices that you question. The story is also structured in a way where you don't get the information right away. You understand that something terrible happened to Emma and Kiama was somehow involved, but you don't fully find out until nearly the end of the story.
The love 'triangle' is also an interesting one, because its not really a triangle. Yvonne has a one night stand with Lewis, who later meets, and has a child with, Emma. Yvonne and Lewis don't get back together until much later, when Kiama is ~7, and they feel the need to keep it from Emma. They are implied to get back together after the end of the book, with Yvonne finally coming to terms with Lewis and understanding that they were not responsible for Emma's death with encouragement from Kiama, who just wants to see his dad happy.
Overall, its interesting and broaches the subject of coming to terms with your past well, but I do think it is slightly long, with some unnecessary detail, but well written and certainly thought-provoking.
The love 'triangle' is also an interesting one, because its not really a triangle. Yvonne has a one night stand with Lewis, who later meets, and has a child with, Emma. Yvonne and Lewis don't get back together until much later, when Kiama is ~7, and they feel the need to keep it from Emma. They are implied to get back together after the end of the book, with Yvonne finally coming to terms with Lewis and understanding that they were not responsible for Emma's death with encouragement from Kiama, who just wants to see his dad happy.
Overall, its interesting and broaches the subject of coming to terms with your past well, but I do think it is slightly long, with some unnecessary detail, but well written and certainly thought-provoking.
natdodds86's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
elliekt's review against another edition
4.0
Heartfelt book about friendships, relationships, secrets and loss. Like Luan Goldie's style of writing that makes for a nice read
outer_books's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy and Gun violence
jendella's review against another edition
4.0
A unique story about love, friendship, betrayal, tragedy and family. Set between Kenya and England and told over the course of 20 years, the story is told by 40 year old Yvonne and 18 year old Kiama, who is the son of Yvonne’s dead best friend. It’s warm and full of heart – an enjoyable read with a plot that pulls you along.