Customer Reviews: Very good, but somewhat overratedJuly 28, 2010 One Tonne(Waterloo, Canada) This is a very good book, don't get me wrong. If for some reason it was being overlooked and not being read, then I would be telling you to read it. But lack of readership is not a problem, and in the process this book has been praised somewhat too highly. So let me give you a few not-insignificant negatives to consider:
Mainly, the character of Aminata sounds too modern to my ears. I doubt very much whether a woman in her time with her experiences would really have thought the way Aminata thinks in this novel. This narrative sounds like what would be written by a modern black woman or man travelling back in time, rather than taking you back into that time and space.
Furthermore, she's frankly too angelic. Any other modern novel would be scorned for having a character as too-near perfect as this.
The story is actually surprisingly boring and unmoving in many places - I didn't find myself that emotionally engaged by this novel.
Frankly, if this novel didn't deal with race and with all the abuses connected with it, it probably wouldn't have gotten much attention at all. Yes, this is a good book, but I doubt very much that its the best word on the subject.
book club choiceJuly 6, 2010 temp(chatham, Ontario Canada) Absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down and was sad when it ended because I wanted more. I always enjoy historical fiction. Teaches me something I didn't know ever occured.The writing was vivid. I could picture in my mind so many scenes. One really felt for the character.It prompted very lively discussion at my book club meeting. We always rate our books out of 10. This book got 8's to 10's from everyone.I highly recommend it.
WOW! I love this book.April 19, 2010 Paul Lawrence 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
One of my favorite books and one of the few books I would read for a second time.
Lawrence HillMarch 22, 2010 Maureen WV.(Stratford, Ontario, Canada) 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
When you start reading this book, you cannot leave it down ( It reminds me of "Roots") - It is hard to believe that this type of life actually happened, the torture, the pain, the indignance that everyone endured. People were treated like a piece of dirt.
I have not finished the book yet as sometimes I need to take a break from reading it as I actually feel the pain for these human beings.
Great work Lawrence.
5 Stars and moreMarch 12, 2010 Claudie Raymond(Canada) Best book I have read in so long.
The author has a way to keep you captivated for the whole 470 pages. I had a hard time to put the book down. The story of of this young lady will make you feel sad, frustrated, mad, happy, hope... any feelings a human can feel. Can wait to buy Lawrence Hill other books.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON.CA INC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
