The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
A book that was much appreciated by all.
All found it to be a gripping read, beautifully written and well researched.
All were interested in the historical facts that were depicted, particularly the history of Nova Scotia and Freetown.
There was some doubt as to whether the book became more of a historical account than a work of fiction and whether Aminata’s story suffered as a result.
It was felt that the ending of the book was contrived and twisted to fit the historical facts.
As such, people felt more empathy with Aminata the child, than Aminata the adult.
The author, however, easily got inside a woman’s psyche
The book is a harrowing tale of slavery. Despite the brutality of slavery, the main theme is the lack of freedom.
The slaves and their offspring belonged to their owner.
The various stages in Aminata’s life are described in meticulous detail.
In some ways, she was “fortunate” in her choice of slave owners as it lead to her education and the use of her prodigious intellect.
On the whole, it was felt that the ending of the book was the weakest part and actually contradicted the beginning.
It was felt to be implausible that she would have met May again.
It was also considered illogical that she would want to get back to her village again; she was bound to be enslaved.-and the village had in any case been burnt down.
JC. 8th July, 2017.
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