By James Ratlif
This is an exceptional book commencing with the abduction of the 11-year-old Aminata Diallo from her village in West Africa. The title is based on an actual historic document and proves to be an amazing catalyst for Hill’s gut wrenching odyssey. It covers an amazing amount of history and does a fantastic job of educating the reader on just how deep the slave trade was a part of commerce and society in the British Colonies, the U.S. and in particular Canada. From South Carolina, to New York, to Nova Scotia, and to Sierra Leone – the hardships and wrongs experienced by Aminata follow her, guide her, and provide her with an enlightenment and understanding never to be experienced by many she interacts with.
The Book of Negroes (the actual document, not this book) is a true record of some 3,000 black people (mostly freed and indentured) who traveled by boat from New York to Nova Scotia. While the book is fictional in nature, it does stick very closely to historical events. This is a powerful read and a very good introduction to the slave trade in the 18th century.
This book also takes to task the idea that Canada was mostly a non participant in the very racist environment of the time. It should really be read as widely as possible because ultimately historical knowledge is certainly a real way to learn about our true heritage, both good and bad.
February is Black History month. I would invite everyone to take the time to join in this worthy event by reading Lawrence Hill’s “The Book of Negroes”. Hoping as always that racism and bigotry become a bad historical footnote.