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A review by beyondevak
I Cannot Write My Life: Islam, Arabic, and Slavery in Omar Ibn Said's America by Carl W. Ernst, Mbaye Lo
5.0
Quick Summary: A scholarly resource
My Review: I Cannot Write My Life: Islam, Arabic, and Slavery in Omar ibn Said's America by Mbaye Lo and Carl W. Ernst is a deeply insightful account on the life, thoughts, and experiences of the well educated and learned West African scholar.
About the Book: The presentation of content was very well done and incredibly thorough. Of great benefit was the inclusion of documents, illustrations and photos. They proved helpful to me in terms of validating the authenticity. I further appreciated the references to other Black voices of the time. Additionally, the notes and the bibliography were a treasure trove of information.
As a layman of history, I found that this book offered so much food for thought. There were rich lessons everywhere. It was easy to get caught up in wanting to dig deeper and research other concepts associated with this account. I could definitely see this being used as a class study to further scholarship in the minds of students.
My Final Say: I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to read, learn, and discover more about Omar ibn Said. His life was heartbreaking and unfortunate, while at the same time, it was remarkable and enlightening. Although I started this book months ago, I must emphasize that it is the type of material that should be savored and reflected upon. I could easily have spent more time buried in the pages.
Other: I am of the belief that Omar's writings and expressed truths (versus the cloaked falsity that was narrated in association this life) were purposed. His voice still speaks. I hear. I see. I understand.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T to A
Thank you so very much for granting me the opportunity to review this work. I was enriched by the experience. Appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (The University of North Carolina Press), and to NetGalley.
My Review: I Cannot Write My Life: Islam, Arabic, and Slavery in Omar ibn Said's America by Mbaye Lo and Carl W. Ernst is a deeply insightful account on the life, thoughts, and experiences of the well educated and learned West African scholar.
About the Book: The presentation of content was very well done and incredibly thorough. Of great benefit was the inclusion of documents, illustrations and photos. They proved helpful to me in terms of validating the authenticity. I further appreciated the references to other Black voices of the time. Additionally, the notes and the bibliography were a treasure trove of information.
As a layman of history, I found that this book offered so much food for thought. There were rich lessons everywhere. It was easy to get caught up in wanting to dig deeper and research other concepts associated with this account. I could definitely see this being used as a class study to further scholarship in the minds of students.
My Final Say: I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to read, learn, and discover more about Omar ibn Said. His life was heartbreaking and unfortunate, while at the same time, it was remarkable and enlightening. Although I started this book months ago, I must emphasize that it is the type of material that should be savored and reflected upon. I could easily have spent more time buried in the pages.
Other: I am of the belief that Omar's writings and expressed truths (versus the cloaked falsity that was narrated in association this life) were purposed. His voice still speaks. I hear. I see. I understand.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T to A
Thank you so very much for granting me the opportunity to review this work. I was enriched by the experience. Appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (The University of North Carolina Press), and to NetGalley.