Book of Negroes
(Lawrence Hill)
PDF Guide

The history and outrage of black slavery has been well-documented in literature and film in the last half-century. This new book by Lawrence Hill does not lessen the barbarity of the times, but adds a unique human dimension. Aminata Diallo was born free in Africa in the eighteenth century. She had a rich and lovely childhood until the day she was captured by slave traders and marched off to the coast in chains. Along with thousands of others, Aminata was destined for North America as a slave to white owners. She was eleven years old. Hill tracks her story through the circle of her life. We travel with Aminata to South Carolina, New York, Nova Scotia, London (England), and even to Freetown in Sierra Leone. Each step of the way, we learn about the horrors and immorality of slavery. We see the faces and listen to the voices of these diminished people, but we see their courage and strength at overcoming the psychological hardships and limitations imposed by their imprisonment.

Hill has created an uplifting and highly educational story about a shameful part of history. The Book of Negroes is sold in the United States under the title, Someone Knows My Name.

Bookclub-in-a-Box discusses the different facets of this novel:

• Identity is an important part of the characters and the title of the book.
• The finger of blame and responsibility for the terrible tragedy of human slavery points in many directions.
• North American black history includes a look at Black Loyalists and their journey to Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Freetown, Sierra Leone was the creation of British Abolitionists who wanted to bring the slaves home to Africa. 

Every Bookclub-in-a-Box PDF discussion guide includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style and interesting background information on the novel and the author.

 

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