Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, Lea Valley Walk (23 km)

'A novel of breathtaking sweep and emotional power that traces three hundred years in Ghana and along the way also becomes a truly great American novel. Extraordinary for its exquisite language, its implacable sorrow, its soaring beauty, and for its monumental portrait of the forces that shape families and nations, Homegoing heralds the arrival of a major new voice in contemporary fiction.' - Goodreads.

It feels like Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi has been on my reading list for a long time now. Pretty excited for this one: our longest walk yet, and the first novel for the club!

The 23.2 km route can be found and downloaded on the Alltrails app, by searching for the 'Lea Valley Walk.'

Alltrails Lea Valley Walk (link)

Good walking experience recommended, though the walk will be fairly flat. We'll be meeting at the Narrowboat Cafe (next to Rammey Marsh Lock) at 10:30 with the aim to set off by 11 at the latest. There will be opportunities along the route to stop and get refreshments, but I'd advise bringing some snacks and plenty of water!

With a couple of rest breaks, this walk will take approximately 5-hours. When we reach Limehouse, I'm sure we can find time for a post-walk pint or soft drink if people wish!

Please aim to read the novel prior to the walk, and please feel free to bring along quotes that have particularly stood out to you, or thoughts that the novel has inspired. As always, these are welcoming, social events, designed to combine walking with sharing ideas about thought-provoking literature or philosophy.

Feel free to message any questions you may have ahead of the walk. All members welcome! O