I read this book last week and it was fabulous. Somebody Knows My Name is the name of the U.S. version; apparently it is called The Book of Negroes in Canada. The year is 1745. It's the story of Aminata Diallo, who attends births with her mother, is spoiled rotten by her father, and then loses both of them and her freedom when she is snatched by black slavers. It follows her through the long march to the sea, her nightmarish voyage to the Carolinas, and her hard landing at an indigo plantation.
The story proceeds through the American Revolution (where Aminata is in the service of the British), to Nova Scotia where supporters of the British are settled, on to Sierra Leone where a new free colony is established, and finally to London where the Abolitionists have enlisted our heroine in their cause. I learned so much history from this book, and the writing was so wonderful.
Wow, it sounds fabulous. I'll have to see if my library has it.
Posted by: Marilyn | Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 06:42 PM
This sounds wonderful, but I don't think I can read it. I think I would be too sad. These types of stories tend to devastate me if I'm not just in exactly the right frame of mind. I know. I'm a wimp.
Posted by: arlene | Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at 08:43 AM
I just finished Persuasion and enjoyed it. Now I'm on to some light reading. I may suggest this one to Book Club though; it looks fascinating.
Posted by: Margaret | Monday, March 17, 2008 at 07:19 PM