Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Book of Negroes
Historical Fiction· Canada

The Book of Negroes

by Lawrence Hill
Aggregate Editorial Score33/100
commonwealth
Published 2007English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Few works of historical fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Book of Negroes (2007) by Lawrence Hill continues to receive. The Book of Negroes is a powerful historical novel that follows the life of Aminata Diallo, an African woman who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in America. The novel spans several decades and continents, exploring themes of freedom, resilience, and the quest for identity. It sheds light on the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and the indomitable spirit of those who endured it. Themes of slavery, freedom, identity run through the work. The book has received recognition from Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2008.

Book Details

AuthorLawrence Hill
Published2007
Country of Origin🇨🇦 Canada
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN978-0-393-06692-3
Editorial Score33/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇨🇦 Canada

This book is part of Canada's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Canada →

Editorial Assessment

Lawrence Hill published The Book of Negroes in 2007, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Canada. The book's treatment of slavery, freedom, identity, resilience accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2008. With an editorial score of 33/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of The Book of Negroes lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of slavery, freedom, identity, resilience is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Book of Negroes reflects Lawrence Hill's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Canada's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

commonwealth
winner · global
20080
✍️
About the Author
Lawrence Hill
Canada
View Author →

Lawrence Hill is a Canada author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of A Brief History of Seven Killings
literary-fiction

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James· 2015
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score89/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Book of Negroes about?

The Book of Negroes is a powerful historical novel that follows the life of Aminata Diallo, an African woman who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in America. The novel spans several decades and continents, exploring themes of freedom, resilience, and the quest for identity. It sheds light on the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and the indomitable spirit of those who endured it.

Who wrote The Book of Negroes?

The Book of Negroes was written by Lawrence Hill, from Canada. First published in 2007.

What awards has The Book of Negroes won?

The Book of Negroes has received the following recognition: Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2008.

Is The Book of Negroes worth reading?

The Book of Negroes is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 33/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in slavery, freedom, identity.

Where can I buy The Book of Negroes?

You can buy The Book of Negroes on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Book of Negroes?

The Book of Negroes is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Book of Negroes from?

The Book of Negroes originates from Canada's literary tradition. Explore more books from Canada on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🗺️More Historical FictionBrowse all Historical Fiction books🇨🇦Books from Canada🇨🇦 Canada literature📅2000s BooksPublished in the 2000s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time