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Informative,
Inspiring,
Dramatic

21 reviews

Someone Knows My Name: A Novel
by Lawrence Hill

Published: 2007-11-05
Hardcover : 512 pages
69 members reading this now
48 clubs reading this now
28 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 21 of 21 members
"You feel you are turning the pages of history, the pages of truth."—Austin Clarke, author of The Polished Hoe

Abducted from Africa as a child and enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata Diallo thinks only of freedom—and of the knowledge she needs to get home. Sold to an indigo ...
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Introduction

"You feel you are turning the pages of history, the pages of truth."—Austin Clarke, author of The Polished Hoe

Abducted from Africa as a child and enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata Diallo thinks only of freedom—and of the knowledge she needs to get home. Sold to an indigo trader who recognizes her intelligence, Aminata is torn from her husband and child and thrown into the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In Manhattan, Aminata helps pen the Book of Negroes, a list of blacks rewarded for service to the king with safe passage to Nova Scotia. There Aminata finds a life of hardship and stinging prejudice. When the British abolitionists come looking for "adventurers" to create a new colony in Sierra Leone, Aminata assists in moving 1,200 Nova Scotians to Africa and aiding the abolitionist cause by revealing the realities of slavery to the British public. This captivating story of one woman's remarkable experience spans six decades and three continents and brings to life a crucial chapter in world history.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Did you know that Africans themselves were involved in the selling of their own people?
What type of qualities does it take to have a spirit that can not be crushed?
What type of a person could view such suffering, aid in it, condone it and profit from it?
by bmullinax (see profile) 09/16/14

Modern slavery
by robiot6 (see profile) 09/22/13

1. An important aspect of the book was identity and belonging. Who are you and where do you belong?
2. Is your heritage important to you and your family? Why? What do you know about your background as an immigrant/native American?
3. What is the significance of the title Someone Knows My Name/The Book of Negroes? In your opinion, which title is more fitting and why?
by CaribeAzul (see profile) 12/07/11

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Not sure to comment on what to serve but decorate in indigo blue!
by bmullinax (see profile) 09/16/14

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Allison R. (see profile) 01/20/24

 
by Julie B. (see profile) 09/03/20

 
by Marla T. (see profile) 10/10/18

One of my favorite books of all time. Great story, learned a lot, genuine page-turner, satisfying overall. Extremely highly recommended!

 
by Mary T. (see profile) 02/16/16

 
  "Someone Knows My Name"by Barbara M. (see profile) 09/16/14

A well-written, well-researched account of slave trading from Africa, to America, to Canada, to England. I loved being educated by this story but also having a wonderful "chunk of meat" to ... (read more)

 
  "Interesting reading"by Delphine R. (see profile) 09/22/13

A long reading - sometimes too long - which gets you to deep dive in the history of slave trade. Well researched and informative, still a good narrative to keep you going.

 
  "Someone Knows My Name"by Lisa H. (see profile) 02/06/12

 
  "Identity and Belonging"by YNES O. (see profile) 12/07/11

This beautifully written book is not to be missed. Hill writes from a woman's perspective about identity and belonging. Based on The Book of Negroes, it is the story of a little girl stolen from her... (read more)

 
  "The Indomitable Spirit"by YNES O. (see profile) 10/22/11

This book should be required reading for all. It is the epic story of survival, and the indomitable spirit of a girl who has been captured into slavery, and manages to thrive in the worst of conditions.... (read more)

 
  "The Dark Continent"by Laura G. (see profile) 10/18/11

I found the historic story of the African culture very interesting and learned a lot I did not know. It was an enlightening look into their lifestyles and ideals.Who knew they themselves owned slaves and... (read more)

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