Advantages: A living history of the black man in America, based on Alex Haleys own family. Disadvantages: Heavy (emotionally) in parts.
...The tv mini-series brought "Roots" into our homes, and was excellent in it's own way, but the book is better I think. I love AlexHaley's eloquence, the picures that he paints in your mind - you feel the dusty heat of a dry Summer's day, you smell the food cooking, feel the fear and pain. Whether the subject matter appeals to you or not, AlexHaley must be regarded as a Master Storyteller.
"Roots"seems to have been a turning point in literature, a beginning acceptance for black authors around the world. It's turbulent tale of the black man in America, based on Haley's own family history, is both painful and yet a triumph. Who has not heard of Kunte Kinte?
This book is long and not for the faint-hearted, it is a heavy read and at times your emotions will be drained as you realise the suffering that took place and imagine yourself...
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Advantages: An intersting and brilliant read Disadvantages: none about the book, but the videos are pretty expensive
...'Roots' was first a book written by AlexHaley and then in 1977, was made into a TV series.
It's the true account of Haley's 12 year search for his ancestors, traced as far back as 1750. The story begins with Kunta Kinte, a 17 year old african boy from the Gambia who was captured by slave traders and bought to America on a slave ship crammed with other prisoners. They were chained down and packed so tight they couldn't even turn around and were left to lay in their own waste until excercise time on the deck. During this time the women would communicate with the men through song what had happened to them, and what they could understand of the white people. The ships were originally built to hold 200, but about 500 were squashed in.
The women were sexually abused and passed around the crew like worthless playthings and both sexes were...
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