Yaa Gyasi is a highly acclaimed Ghanaian-American author, best known for her novels "Homegoing" and "Transcendent Kingdom." Born in Ghana and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Gyasi's personal background has greatly influenced her writing, providing her with a unique perspective on the experiences of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Gyasi's debut novel, "Homegoing," was published in 2016 to widespread critical acclaim. The novel, which tells the story of two half-sisters born in different villages in 18th century Ghana, won numerous awards following its release, including the National Book Critics Circle's John Leonard Award for best first book and the PEN/Hemingway Award for a first book of fiction. Additionally, Gyasi was named one of the National Book Foundation's "5 under 35" honorees for 2016.
In addition to her writing, Gyasi is also an accomplished academic. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University and a Master of Fine Arts from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where she held a Dean's Graduate Research Fellowship. Today, she continues to write and speak on a variety of topics, and is available for select speaking engagements through the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau.
Gyasi's second novel, "Transcendent Kingdom," was published in 2020 and received similar praise as her debut novel. The novel explores the complexities of faith, science, and family through the eyes of a Ghanaian immigrant family in the United States. Through her writing, Gyasi continues to shed light on the experiences of underrepresented communities, and her work has been celebrated for its nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the human condition.