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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Tweaking the slave narrative for a contemporary audience, Hill plumbs the depths of human depravity as well as its boundless hope. Aminata is a riveting protagonist, taking us along with her through the forests of Africa, the torturous Middle Passage, the Caroline Lowcountry's indigo plantations, revolutionary-era New York, the early settlements of Nova Scotia, pre-colonial Sierra Leone, and the courts of 19th-century London. Though the content is often painful to digest, this is a must-read for everyone, particularly as it educates readers on many little-known aspects of global history.
This was surprisingly easy to read because the subject matter seemed heavy. I was happy about that, but in the end, I think the book suffered because of it.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
So weird!! I just realized (I think) that this is The Book of Negroes. One of the best books I have ever read. I find it fascinating when books have to go by an alternate title.
The story is so original, as far as slave stories go. I have never really heard about the British part of slave trade or the movement of slaves from the US to Canada, London, and back to Africa. The breadth of the story and the thorough storytelling were fantastic and the audiobook narrator kept me completely pulled in to each part of the journey.
This is a heart-wrenching story, vastly unknown and powerfully told. The process of listening to the audiobook (read by Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah) has affected my spirit profoundly. As an educated, middle-class white women in Canada, I shudder to think of what my life and role would have looked like, had I been born two centuries earlier. Reading this book has made me take an even more critical view of my life and role now, as I wrestle with the social oppression that still exists in the country we love to label "strong and free." If you know your heart to be hardened toward the history of slavery and the modern slights and plights that face people of colour, read this book and prepare to be rapidly softened.
This novel is a giant tale of humanity and barbarism spanning decades and continents. It should be required reading for North American high school students, and beyond that it should simply be read by everyone. If you don't end up with a greater appreciation for the importance of literacy, of fairness, of human decency and compassion, I'd worry about your ability to function productively in society.
A really strong starter. I was immediately captivated by the voice the author used for Aminata, and the initial part of her journey is fascinating and packed with beauty, horrors, and intense emotion. The story remained interesting throughout and, assuming it's an accurate representation of events, gave a good introduction to the various ways in which the slaves taken from Africa were treated and mistreated in the United States and Britain (Canada).
Eventually, though, I became slightly less enamoured of the story - it was partly the fact that Aminata was a superwoman (although this is hardly an uncommon situation in books, and was perhaps the only way to present the story that Mr. Hill wanted to without resorting to following multiple main characters, which would've lessened the emotional impact - just for some reason I was really aware of her specialness) and I think partly due to the structure of the story. By presenting bits of the end first, then tracing us through her chronology, Aminata's story became more and more constrained, funnelling down toward the end that we'd been led to expect. I found that this reduced the tension and anticipation somewhat, leading to a weaker finish than might've been.
Still, a powerful book that tells a vital story. Recommended.
Eventually, though, I became slightly less enamoured of the story - it was partly the fact that Aminata was a superwoman (although this is hardly an uncommon situation in books, and was perhaps the only way to present the story that Mr. Hill wanted to without resorting to following multiple main characters, which would've lessened the emotional impact - just for some reason I was really aware of her specialness) and I think partly due to the structure of the story. By presenting bits of the end first, then tracing us through her chronology, Aminata's story became more and more constrained, funnelling down toward the end that we'd been led to expect. I found that this reduced the tension and anticipation somewhat, leading to a weaker finish than might've been.
Still, a powerful book that tells a vital story. Recommended.
One of the best books I have ever read.
Devastatingly raw and tragic at times, but beautifully told.
In our current cultural climate, this is a must read for anyone who has a passion for social justice.
This book paints an intricate picture of the patterns of oppression that have haunted our history for centuries.
It also shows the resilience of survival under seemingly impossible circumstances.
I rank this novel next to "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for its beautiful narrative and strength, and for Aminata Diallo, who will stay with me forever as a beacon of female empowerment.
Devastatingly raw and tragic at times, but beautifully told.
In our current cultural climate, this is a must read for anyone who has a passion for social justice.
This book paints an intricate picture of the patterns of oppression that have haunted our history for centuries.
It also shows the resilience of survival under seemingly impossible circumstances.
I rank this novel next to "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for its beautiful narrative and strength, and for Aminata Diallo, who will stay with me forever as a beacon of female empowerment.
Could not put down. Both relieved and sad to be finished it.