Reviews

I felt the significance of the title as soon as Aminata was kidnapped. Nowadays we take advantage of so many things, including our freedom of speech, that it's hard to imagine living in a world where, in an instant, you could be lost, and nothing remains of you. All Aminata had was her name, and her story. I thought this was a great novel, where tragedy after tragedy struck, but even though it is a fictional story, it is based off of real events, real history. It kept me interested from beginning to end.

anniebartelsollosy's review against another edition

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challenging informative sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I listened to the audiobook and it took me a long time
To get through as the subject matter was very details and though I knew it would be shocking it was more dark and graphic then I expected.

Truly awful what people put other human beings through.

ttavaras's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

vlj1120's review against another edition

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5.0

I devoured this excellent and well-researched historical fiction book in 2 days it was so compelling. In the vein of Alex Haley's classic Roots and Colton Whitehead's award-winning Underground Railroad, this large novel tells the shameful history of the slave trade and the tragic repercussions across generations in the lives of black Americans. The main character was fascinating and inspirational. Her story of survival is astounding and the events of history unbelievable, but shockingly true. Please read this book to understand the trauma our country was built upon and to guide your anti-racist actions in the future. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

tx_velle's review against another edition

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5.0

What a powerful book - the story of Aminata's life and travels after she is kidnapped and sold into slavery from Africa - I could not put it down.

And it's historically accurate too - what more could an inquiring mind want?

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