All reviews for Someone Knows My Name (2000)
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4.25 stars. Almost want to give this 5 stars but the one thing that keeps me from doing so is that a few parts of the story regarding the accomplishments of the female protagonist are too lofty and unbelievable. However, this seems like it is needed to propel the plot. Otherwise, I very much enjoyed this unique, epic tale of slavery, which starts out in Africa with the abduction of villagers for the slave trade. The first part of the book reminded me of "Roots," particularly documenting the voyage of the slaves across the Atlantic. Also covers slave life along the east coast, from the southern US up to Canada as well as abolitionism. I know that I am enjoying historical fiction when I do Wikipedia searches, such as for indigo dye in the case of this story.
Something everyone should read, no matter what your interests are. You feel as if you, as an individual, are the protagonist experiencing the plight of a slave in the height of the African slave trade. It is impossible to not feel sympathy for those that have experienced such atrocities in the past. Did drag on though, found myself engulfed in Aminata's story than bored as hell in the second half.
a realistically painful novel of the slave trade in Africa that still offers light and hope
On my top ten book list for sure