storymi's review against another edition
4.0
Historische roman die meer voelde als een autobiografie (Engelse titel 'Someone knows my name). Aminata maakt tijdens haar leven veel verschillende onderdelen van de slavernijgeschiedenis mee en krijgt ook veel rollen binnen die geschiedenis te spreken. Dat heeft de schrijver knap in elkaar gepuzzeld (er zit veel research in dit boek!). Daardoor voelt het als een soort van compleet boek over slavernij. Tegelijkertijd had ik het idee dat de schrijver zich tijdens het schrijfproces meer heeft geconcentreerd op al die feiten die hij heeft verzameld, dan op de persoon Aminata. Daardoor was het boek voor mij meer interessant, leerzaam (en ook schokkend), dan meeslepend.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
"Kidnapped as a child from Africa, Aminata Diallo is enslaved in South Carolina but escapes during the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In Manhattan she becomes a scribe for the British, recording the names of blacks who have served the King and earned freedom in Nova Scotia. But the hardship and prejudice there prompt her to follow her heart back to Africa, then on to London, where she bears witness to the injustices of slavery and its toll on her life and a whole people. (Summary from Amazon)
A beautifully written historical novel that leaves you thinking days after. The voice of Meena had me from the beginning and I could not stop reading. Not a preachy or in your face novel
"Kidnapped as a child from Africa, Aminata Diallo is enslaved in South Carolina but escapes during the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In Manhattan she becomes a scribe for the British, recording the names of blacks who have served the King and earned freedom in Nova Scotia. But the hardship and prejudice there prompt her to follow her heart back to Africa, then on to London, where she bears witness to the injustices of slavery and its toll on her life and a whole people. (Summary from Amazon)
A beautifully written historical novel that leaves you thinking days after. The voice of Meena had me from the beginning and I could not stop reading. Not a preachy or in your face novel
hiltzmoore's review against another edition
5.0
This is just my kind of historical fiction. It is epic (following a woman from age 11 through 67), covers a period of history that interests me, but hasn't been covered by a whole lot of books. The main character's voice is believable, and while she is at the forefront of many important historical events of the time, I didn't find it to be far-fetched.
kellymc03's review against another edition
I loved this book. It is a raw and beautiful book written about the slave trade from Africa to South Carolina. Although it was somewhat depressing, the book was written with such emotion and detail, I could not and would not put it down. The main character, Meena, was a true hero in my eyes. This book is an amazing read!
gettygirl's review against another edition
5.0
I was shocked at how visceral this book was. The intense focus on the physical body serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's suffering that makes the reader's empathy a requirement. Although it would be trite to say we share or understand her troubles, we are able to at least acknowledge how remarkable she is.
bookchew's review against another edition
5.0
I am fascinated by books that deal with slavery, and have read widely in the genre, but this is one of the most far-reaching, thorough, and beautiful books I have read to date. Ambitious in scope, this novel successfully brings to life oft-overlooked facets of the slave trade, Black Loyalists, and their various migrations across continents and cultures. It also features some of the most deftly drawn female characters I've seen. Its gripping prose makes for an emotional but wholly rewarding read.
laurenbmarshall's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ethib77's review against another edition
4.0
This one is hard to read but worth it. Don't pick it up unless you are looking for someting serious with a very good depiction of a terrible part of our history.
ohkaykayreads's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Truly breathtaking writing. This story was absolutely extraordinary. It filled me with every emotion. I found myself smiling ear to ear and with the turn of the page I was sobbing, tears streaming down my cheeks. Beautifully heartbreaking. Inspiring. Brilliant.