You might think there is little use requesting this book at the library since it was chosen on CBC's Canada Reads and there are many, many holds on it. But there are also many copies and the wait of two or three months is worth it. Then there is the length, nearly 500 pages. How can you finish it before it is due? The text flows and probably you will finish it in plenty of time.

This is the story of Aminata, a young girl stolen from her home in Africa when she was 11 years old until she is near 60 and facing the end of her life. Aminata tells the story, including her thoughts on her situation. However, there is no undue moralizing, no polemics - the story speaks for itself.

The author follows history except for a few instances where he takes liberties and these are noted at the end of the book. The reader follows Aminata onto the slave ship to North Carolina then to New York to Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone and finally to London where she works with abolitionists.

Laurence Hill is a Canadian, raised in Don Mills, Ontario, and the author of several books. His father was the first head of the Human Rights Commission in Ontario and his mother a civil rights activist.

This novel is highly recommended. It is compelling reading and imparts an experience none of us have had which is an important part of our history.

Available in Toronto Public Library