Someone Knows My Name

By: Lawrence Hill

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Aminata Diallo is the beguiling heroine of Lawrence Hill's Someone Knows My Name. In it, Hill exquisitely imagines the tale of an 18th-century woman's life, spanning six decades and three continents. The fascinating story that Hill tells is a work of the soul and the imagination. Aminata is a character who will stir listeners, from her kidnapping from Africa through her journeys back and forth across the ocean.

Enslaved on a South Carolina plantation, Aminata works in the indigo fields and as a mid­wife. When she is bought by an entrepreneur from Charleston, she is torn from friends and family. The chaos of the Revolutionary War allows her to escape.

In British-held Manhattan, she helps pen the Book of Negroes, a list of blacks rewarded for wartime service to the king with safe passage to Nova Scotia. During her travels in Canada, Sierra Leone, and England, Aminata strives for her freedom and that of her people - even when it comes at a price.

In this captivating novel, Hill portrays one woman's remarkable spirit and strength in the face of adversity, and he brings to life crucial and little-known chapters in world history.

©2007 Lawrence Hill (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Hill's depiction of [Aminata's] journey to freedom is a powerful tale of pride and perseverance." (Sara Nelson, Oprah.com)

"A masterpiece, daring and impressive in its geographic, historical and human reach." (Globe and Mail)

"Lawrence Hill's hugely impressive historical work is completely engrossing and deserves a wide, international readership." (Delia Jarrett-Macauley, Washington Post)

I loved this book

From beginning to end I Was interested it made me cry it made me laugh made me happy and it made me sad it was a just wonderful book to read it taught me a lot and it made me think even more love the writer love the reader of the book it was just very very good thank you

Marvellous read!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Someone Knows My Name?

I have read many books on the slave trade, yet Someone Knows My Name has such an intimate, true feeling. From the capture, losing her mother, the trek across the continent, the horrific details of the boat journey and on. The tragedy and sadness of the circumstances, and yet the true bravery and strength of so many.

What does Adenrele Ojo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Adenrele Ojo narrates the story so beautifully - you feel that you're really there with Aminata following her every step.

Any additional comments?

This story and Aminata Diallo will stay with me for a very long time. Everyone should read this book.

Fantastic!

I loved everything about this! The story, the historical relevance, the narration… Just pure pleasure!

Outstanding book

This book has opened my eyes to so much history that I've looked up while listening to this story being told. I've come to appreciate the stories of our ancestors more than every. In the past I did not want to venture down the roads of the truths of what they endured because I would get so angry. Now I appreciate the stories and look at them as a way of filling a need I'd always needed about who I am, where are my people originally from. So many questions has stirred in me I'm going to research my family lines as far back as I can. It's a good thing to know from which you've came because it helps you know where you are going or which direction you need to go. I wish that many listen to this book and share!

A descriptive account of a difficult historic time

This book is a descriptive account of a difficult period in history. The story is long but well worth the time it takes to finish. I preferred the book over the film/movie version. The book provides more in depth insight to the main character's thoughts, actions & desires. The book was DEFINITELY worth the credit spent to access it!

the best book I've read in sometime.

Loved it from start to finish. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good read.

AllI Can Say is "Wow"

I hated it to end!
I wanted it to continue, but
A beautiful ending!
So well written I could "see" it as it happened!

Hard to listen to at times but SO good

This book captured me from the first chapter to the last. The subject matter was difficult to listen to at times, but the narrator’s pacing, accents, and tone kept me riveted even when I was feeling horrified or shocked. To learn that Aminata Diallo was a fictional character (the Book of Negroes is historical, as were several of the characters and settings) was disappointing because it felt so...real. I learned new things about Nova Scotia, London and Sierra Leone, and am so glad I listened to this book. Now I want to see the version that aired on the Canadian broadcasting corporation. Well written book with exceptional narration for the audiobook version.

Simply Wonderful!

tragic...disturbing....inspiring. A slice of history that should not be ignored. I will recommend to others without hesitation!

Extremely Moving

I really enjoyed this book and loved the main character! While feeling her extreme pain and heart ache as she journeyed through an unfathomable chain of horror, I also knew I was witnessing nobility and felt honored, knowing that the destitute often display a courage and strength and a heroism we would be so wise to emulate.