Book two of The Book of Negroes was so captivating to read, and lead to interesting discussion in our group’s Socratic circle.
As a group, we discussed what happened in the second book and different themes that it concentrates around. We agreed that a major theme of this part of the novel is Aminata’s development as a person as she meets new people, encounters new situations, and learns. Aminata learns so much in Book II. She learns to read, write, speak proper English and how to do math. She is a smart woman, and learning helps her develop as a person.
After discussing this as a group, one of the group members asked: “What’s the point of having the first chapter of each book taking place in the present of Aminata’s time?”
We then asked ourselves if there is a relation to what Aminata is experiencing in the present time and the theme of the book.
In the opening chapter of Book Two, one of the abolitionists tells another that Aminata “[…] can’t be expected to grasp the details in their complexity,” of the topic he and the other are discussing (Hill, 142). This is very ironic when relating it to the rest of the book. Aminata is a very smart woman, and taking what we learn about her in Book II into consideration, is clearly capable of understanding any situation.
If I were to ask Lawrence Hill one question, it would reflect this observation made by my group:
What inspired you to write the story the way you did? Was adding the abolitionist’s doubt on Aminata capabilities of understanding the conversation in the first chapter of Book II intentional?
We saw that Aminata was a clever character in Book I, but only in Book II did she take advantage her cleverness in order to educate herself. Was the irony in the first chapter used in order to hint to the readers of The Book of Negroes to the development of Aminata’s character?
I have quite a few questions for Lawrence Hill. How could I not? With a story so well written, so detailed and cinematic, it’s hard not to question it. It’s hard to believe that Aminata didn’t exist and that The Book of Negroes isn’t an autobiography. Every experience, situation and memory that forms Aminata into the character she is has been perfectly planned by author Lawrence Hill. For this reason, I find it hard to believe that there isn’t a reason for putting the irony in chapter one of the second book without intention.
I’m gonna end my blog post here and go read some more of The Book of Negroes. Man, isn’t it ever a great book.
Read it, pals. Peace out.
My Pen and Paper Palace 