• Someone Knows My Name

  • By: Lawrence Hill
  • Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
  • Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,638 ratings)

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Someone Knows My Name  By  cover art

Someone Knows My Name

By: Lawrence Hill
Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo
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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)

What listeners say about Someone Knows My Name

Average customer ratings
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Amazing Story

From start to finished I was mesmerized. The rich recount of history was painfully and beautifully written. The narrator's voice and accents were so entertaining. Great book and vivid imagery.

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Narration and story A+

This is the first book that I have watched the movie/ mini series first and read the book second. I usually do not do that because they leave so much out or change details in the film version. This time I was not disappointed, sure they had changed a few things In the film but for the most part they stayed true to the story.

The narrator for this was amazing, she transported me to every destination with all manner of emotions. The story was just detailed enough to paint a picture but not too detailed so I felt bored.

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Enthralling historical fiction - amazing narrator!

Aminata endured more in her lifetime than most people - from losing her baby in the worst way possible to giving birth to her next baby all alone. From ships to colonies, from Africa to New England....this story was absolutely incredible. I was sad when the book ended. Must listen!

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Important book

So good yet heartbreaking! Historical fiction at its best. So well written. Adenrele Ojo is a subservient reader fir this story.

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Hats off with a standing ovation

Hats off to the author. The narrator made this story come to life. I could feel Aminata's struggles. I don't want to give the story away, but I will say that I cried with her pain and felt her joy. Read this book if you haven't already. I was halfway through before I realized that I had already seen the movie, but as anyone knows, the book is always better with more detail.

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I learned so much!

I loved this book even though it is always hard to listen to human beings being so evil to other human beings. It is a gripping story and kept me entranced every minute.

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Undivided attention

Great book it had my emotions attached to the reader. Loved it all of it.

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Excellent

Loved it, great story
Didn't want to put it down. History brought to life. Will recommend this book.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Almost Didn’t Finish Due to Such Poor Narration!

The story is worth a read, for sure. However, so much of the magic was lost due to the narrator chosen. If she would have narrated only the parts of the protagonist, it would have been fine. However, she couldn’t get close to the other characters’ proper accent and then when she tried to switch back to the main character, she made that voice something it hadn’t been. Unfortunate.

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awesome

I have enjoyed this book. it made my mind escape and visualized the trials and tribulations of this womans life.

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