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The Book of Negroes cover art

The Book of Negroes

Written by: Lawrence Hill
Narrated by: Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah
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Publisher's Summary

Abducted as an 11-year-old child from her village in West Africa and forced to walk for months to the sea in a coffle - a string of slaves - Aminata Diallo is sent to live as a slave in South Carolina. But years later she forges her way to freedom, serving the British in the Revolutionary War and registering her name in the historic Book of Negroes. This book, an actual document, provides a short but immensely revealing record of freed loyalist slaves who requested permission to leave the United States for resettlement in Nova Scotia, only to find that the haven they sought was steeped in an oppression all its own.

Aminata's eventual return to Sierra Leone - passing ships carrying thousands of slaves bound for America - is an engrossing account of an obscure but important chapter in history that saw 1,200 former slaves embark on a harrowing back-to-Africa odyssey.

Lawrence Hill is a master at transforming the neglected corners of history into brilliant imaginings, as engaging and revealing as only the best historical fiction can be. A sweeping story that transports the listener from a tribal African village to a plantation in the Southern United States, from the teeming Halifax docks to the manor houses of London, The Book of Negroes introduces one of the strongest female characters in recent Canadian fiction, one who cuts a swath through a world hostile to her colour and her sex.

©2007 Lawrence Hill Creative Services, Inc. (P)2016 Jody Colero for Silent Joe Inc

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What listeners say about The Book of Negroes

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One of the best listens to date.

Everyone who's able should hear Mr. Hill's book. Powerful imagery...amazing story line. Perhaps predictable in some spots but that's what keeps one interested. The narration was excellent. I would recommend this to anyone.

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STUNNING

I absolutely cannot get enough of this book I will sit in my vehicle finishing a chapter when I get home just because I need to finish it because it's that good it's like a movie playing in my head absolutely spectacular #Audible1

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Enjoyable Read

I read this book years ago, but listening to Khadijah Roberts-Adbullah the story really comes alive. I was reminded when listening how good of a book this is and how everyone should listen to it.
#Audible1

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Truly exceptional in every way.

I read The Book of Negroes and listened to the beautifully narrated story by Ms. Roberts-Abdullah at the same time. Couldn't wait for the next opportunity to immerse myself in this remarkable novel. It will forever be one of the best novels I have ever read.

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Such a powerful story

One of the best books I have ever read. So powerful and engaging. Absolutely loved it.

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Can't recommend enough!

This was an amazing story. I feel angry at myself that it took me so long to read it. You get so lost in her story and the narriation is so perfectly cast (aside from the woman introducing the chapters), that you feel like you are sitting in the same room listening to this person tell the incredible account of her life.

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I suffered pangs of withdrawal when it ended.

I loved this book. I loved this story. I loved this narrator. Will listen again and will be recommending most insistently to my friends and family. Listen to this book and learn.

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2 people found this helpful

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Heart wrenching and beautiful

This book is told in a way that brings you right into her life. It sucks you in and you feel every bit of her life. It’s heartbreaking and empowering at the same time. By far one of the best books I have ever had the privilege of reading.

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Wonderful Novel,

A must read/listen. Thoroughly engaging & an important story to hear.
I just wish the production value was higher.

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  • 2021-08-08

Couldn't put it down

The narrator was perfect. i believed she could be the character she portrayed. Excellent book!

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