Humans are always in a perpetual endeavor to resolve the existential questions about our reality and beliefs. Transcendent Kingdom examines both the religious and scientific constructs that define our existence and answer some of these questions. Through the protagonist, the narrative explores the effects of trauma and its cyclical and successive nature within the family unit. The need for certainty in her life prompts Gifty to waver from religious faith to scientific evidence in finding solutions. She faces trials and tribulations that force her to lose her faith in religion but eventually reverts to it after accepting uncertainty in life.
As a neuroscience student, Gifty studies the basis of addiction and depression with lab rats as specimens for the experiments. Before her birth, Gifty’s family moves to America for greener pastures, however, racism and poverty caused problems in their household. Her family leaves for Ghana under false pretenses and never returns which adds to their difficulties in a foreign nation. In high school, her brother Nana becomes a star athlete playing basketball, unfortunately, he injures his leg. Consequently, Nana gets prescriptions for painkillers which he becomes addicted to over time. The story focuses on his addiction which drastically changes the dynamic in the family especially after he overdoes and passes away. This event prompts Gifty to lose her faith in religion and rely on science for the following years of her adulthood. She blames herself for being incapable of curing Nana’s addiction or convincing him to take care of himself. Meanwhile, her mother battles with depression and suicidal thoughts that force Gifty to be responsible for her. All this trauma and suffering nudges her to pursue a scientific basis for the psychological problems in her family.
After another mental episode, Gifty closely watches over her mother to prevent any suicide attempts. The sense of responsibility takes her on a personal journey that begins with seeking answers and ends with accepting uncertainty. Through the experiments, she finds she can manipulate the brain pathways associated with addiction. However, she cannot solve the causes behind the brain becoming addicted to substances. She accepts that inconstancy also appears in science akin to religious faith. Before the mother dies, she manages to give Gifty closure that allows her to embrace her Christian background once more.
