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The Book of Negroes

A Novel

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The Book of Negroes

Written by: Lawrence Hill
Narrated by: Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah
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About this listen

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
Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Fiction Inspiring United States

What listeners say about The Book of Negroes

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2nd time

I read the book quite a few years ago definitely worth the listen again. the person reading brought a whole new life to a book I already enjoyed once

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Loved it

This is my first Book on Audible I struggled to shut off. Loved it and listened to it 3 straight days just to finish ! Captivating , such a great story and reader .

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A Must Read for Literally Everyone

I wish I had read this years ago. This story filled my heart and I would recommend it to absolutely everyone. The character of Aminata might not be real, but the events described are portrayed with such honesty and impeccable research that she might as well be. One of the most important works of fiction in educating yourself about black history. Don’t hesitate in letting yourself get swept away by this tour de force.

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Story That Needs to be Told

Loves all parts of this book! A painful story that is so real and full of humans hurt against others.

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Amazing, A Must Read

The book captured my attention from the beginning to the end. The inconceivable journey that this girl made was made so believable through his words.
It was written perfectly, as Lawrence Hill put you in the place of the girl.
I've always liked Lawrence Hill's work and this piece of work just added another reason why I do

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Amazing!

For so many reasons everyone should read this book. It was amazing and so full of life. It’s educational and so compelling.

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Exceptional

I couldn’t stop listening to it.
It was amazing, I felt like I knew her, as if I lived her life.

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A powerful story with brilliant narration

Such an emotional and inspiring story of resiliency. The author has detailed descriptions of the surroundings which are so visual. The scenes invoke so many emotions; heartbreak, empowerment, pride.
The narrator brings such an authentic energy to the story.
Throughly enjoyed this audible book.

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Binge Listened

Amazing story. Beware to students though. I'm probably going to flunk my next set of midterms since I kept putting off studying to listen to this book. Worth it.

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loved every moment.

The story brought me to tears several times and gave me perspectives that I've longed to see and understand. The narrator's performance was incredible. This has become one of my favourite books.

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