Someone Knows My Name

by Lawrence Hill
Someone Knows My Name cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Historical Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 1421
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9780393333091
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Someone Knows My Name follows the life of Aminata Diallo, a young girl who is torn from her African home and sold into slavery in South Carolina. Her dreams of returning to Africa are shattered when she is thrust into the chaos of the Revolutionary War. Throughout her journey, Aminata's strength and determination shine as she navigates the complexities of war and her own identity. This novel is not just a story of survival but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Aminata's experiences highlight the struggles and triumphs of African Americans during a pivotal time in history, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the African diaspora.

Reviews
BookBrowse · 2025-10-05
mesmerizing 4.50

The novel offers a mesmerizing heroine and an expertly paced plot, along with a significant survey of the complexities of pre- and post-slavery life.

This review praises the novel for its captivating protagonist and well-paced plot, which keeps readers engaged throughout. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's exploration of the complexities of life before and after slavery, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the historical context. The novel's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader historical themes is particularly commended.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel that offers its readers not only a mesmeric heroine and expertly paced plot, but also a significant survey of the complexities of the pre- and post-slavery life.

    The novel's ability to blend personal storytelling with broader historical themes is particularly commended.

    The protagonist's journey is both compelling and deeply moving, making it a standout in historical fiction.

Historical Novel Society · 2025-10-05
astonishing 4.75

The novel is described as astonishing in scope, humanity, and beauty, transcending its time and place. It is praised for its deep joy of reading and its significant historical context.

The reviewer is deeply impressed by the novel's broad scope and its ability to convey the humanity and beauty of its characters. They highlight the joy of reading this novel, which goes beyond its historical setting and offers a profound reading experience. The novel's exploration of significant historical events and its impact on the characters is particularly noteworthy, making it a standout in historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    Astonishing in scope, humanity and beauty, this is one of those very rare novels in which the deep joy of reading transcends its time and place.

    Like To Kill a Mockingbird, it is a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

    The novel's exploration of significant historical events and its impact on the characters is particularly noteworthy.

The New York Times · 2008-01-20
powerful 4.50

The novel is a beautifully written fictional slave narrative that brings to life the harsh realities of slavery. It is praised for its historical depth and the protagonist's compelling journey.

This review highlights the novel's exceptional storytelling and its ability to convey the brutality of slavery through the eyes of its protagonist. The reviewer appreciates the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the narrative, making it a powerful and moving read. They also note the protagonist's resilience and the way her story is intertwined with significant historical events, adding layers of complexity to the novel.

Quick quotes

    In Lawrence Hill's wonderfully written fictional slave narrative, 'Someone Knows My Name', the protagonist exhibits similar 'proof on my flesh' of slavery's brutality.

    The novel is a powerful and moving read that brings to life the harsh realities of slavery.

    The protagonist's journey is compelling and her resilience is a testament to the human spirit.

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