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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “Slavery existed before US, but it is interesting that the form it had in Africa was so much more human and humane, as was the natural character of life, extensive knowledge of herbs and vegetation around integrated in medicine and food that were all part of one seamless fabrique of life. Slaves...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I re-read this book for the first time in over 30 years, and still find it an effective portrayal of the horrible institution of slavery.
KinksRock wrote this review yesterday. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The first time I read it, I was a child (5th grade), so some things did hit me differently. I obviously understood the sexual content more. Further, at the end of the book, I had to question Mr. Haley's research. It seemed to come too easily, making me question whether he really found the African from whom he was descended.
I also question his portrayal of how Kunta Kinte was captured. I will do independent reading concerning the slave trade, but I don't see how it would have made sense for toubob to wander through Africa in the hopes that they will be able to nab an individual who wandered outside his village, considering that they had kings and warlords who were willing to do business with them, selling off criminals and POWs.
Mr. Haley admits that, except for the outline provided by his family's oral tradition, much of this book is, out of necessity, fiction. But it will nonetheless move you.
Another controversy about this book is the accusation that Mr. Haley plagiarized material from Harold Courlander's "The African". (I have read on the Internet that Mr. Haley had to pay $650,000 in damages; I have no idea if this is true.) I read "The African" right before re-reading "Roots". They cover similar material in part, but I was unable to discern particular passages that seemed to be lifted out of "The African". If someone could clarify where the plagiarized passages are, I'd appreciate it. ”
“Not a book you really want to read twice, but an amazing read! Very heart-wrenching!”
Crystal Z wrote this review 5 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A must read for Americans in my opinion, great book.”
Daman B wrote this review Wednesday, April 11, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“After reading "The Help" I remembered watching "Roots" as a mini series way back in what was probably the late seventies or early 1980's. I loved it then and was keen to track down the book. It's the story of the author's ancestor Kunta Kinte, his life in Africa as a free young man, his subsequent capture by white slave traders and then on to the stories of each generation until we come to the author himself. It's all fascinating, from both a human and historical perspective. However, I found the writing a bit clumsy at times which was a shame because the story really is worth telling. (I'm not referring to the pidgin English of the slaves which I found really fun to read.) If you're curious about this story, by all means give it a go. ”
Kinz wrote this review Saturday, March 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“EXCELLENT BETTER THAN THE AWESOME MOVIE”
ebonisunset@yahoo.com wrote this review Tuesday, February 21, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“One book I have cried with, laughed with and celebrated with. I lived through the generations, cried for their miseries, smiled at their simplicity, felt joy for their new life! A very 'human' read...and a surprising biography!”
Sreeta Gorripaty wrote this review Saturday, February 4, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great job spanning so many years of family lines. Historical culture was vividly captured and I enjoyed the progression that was made over the years.
Trista H wrote this review Saturday, January 21, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It's refreshing to see people rise from oppression.
This book is really long and I think the last few chapters could have been left out since they were more of a recap of the story.”
“Read it in Swedish in my teens, don't remember excactly when... I do, however, remember that I didn't put it down once I started reading it. So compelling, strong, disturbing, angering.”
Anna S wrote this review Sunday, January 1, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Stood in line for an hour to get this book signed just because I wanted to tell Alex Haley what a tremendous impact the television mini-series Roots had on my life. The books was the basis for this saga of an American family, from the African first captured and brought to America as a slave. ”
Danamanian wrote this review Saturday, December 24, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Epic story of America's bleak history and an incredible family's journey through. An unforgettable read.”
Leah Byers wrote this review Thursday, December 8, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
