120 pages • 4 hours read
Lawrence HillThe Book of Negroes
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill follows Aminata Diallo, who is kidnapped from her village in Africa as a child and sold into slavery in South Carolina. She endures brutality but becomes a skilled midwife and educator. Throughout her life, Aminata seeks freedom for herself and others, navigating multiple continents and, eventually, contributing to the abolitionist movement in England. Descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and the horrors of slavery are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lawrence Hill's The Book of Negroes masterfully explores themes of resilience and identity through its compelling protagonist, Aminata Diallo. Reviewers praise the rich, well-researched historical context and emotional depth. Some critique its pacing and length, but overall, it resonates as a powerful narrative about the enduring human spirit amidst adversity.
Who Should Read The Book of Negroes?
Readers of The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill will appreciate historical fiction that delves into themes of resilience and identity. Fans of Roots by Alex Haley or Beloved by Toni Morrison will find this narrative gripping. It appeals to those interested in African diaspora histories and emotionally powerful storytelling.