Roots

This is the most powerful book I have read to date, third time reading and it still shocks , surprises and inspires me.
The world we live in is because of the many who suffered and they should never be forgotten .
Great story, great read and a great book

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6 people found this helpful

An incredibly powerful book an essential education

A hard listen, to hear the experiences of a boy ripped from his people and thrust into the inhumanity of slavery. It should be on school curriculums so we are better educated on the horrors of slavery.

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1 person found this helpful

An incredible journey

From a small village in Gambia in 1750 to the USA in the mid twentieth century and back again, this book crosses 200 years of history, both familial and worldly. The detail encapsulated in these 30 hours of audio is breathtaking; Roots is a disturbing yet wonderful dramatisation of Alex Haley’s family tree, beginning with the life and traditions of an African community, to kidnap and transportation to the USA during the slave trade. Throughout this book the standout feeling is that of family strength in the face of the abhorrent behaviour of others. The final section is a fascinating insight into Haley’s research of this book from the idea of writing it to its fruition - a great addition to this already epic journey. Avery Brooks’ narration is perfect.

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Blew me away

This book was so interesting. I read it originally about 35 years ago but, listening to it now, brought out so many emotions. What an indictment on mans inhumanity to man

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Absolutely crucial reading for anyone wanting an understanding of the slave trade. very moving.

Exceptional and unmissable piece of literature and historical research packaged as a breath taking story bringing out personalities from the past. Should be required reading in schools.

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One of the greatest books I've ever listened to.

Avery Brooks reading and performance is second to none. He reads as though every character was his own lived experience . His obvious deep connection to this story elevaties this great African American saga beyond what it ever could have been if I'd had read it myself in ways I cannot put into words. This is one of the book I have ever and possibly will ever listen to. I am white native Scots and have been move immensely in ways I could never describe. A truly unforgettable and deeply emotive tale made even more so by a great orator.

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Fantastic

What a pleasure to listen to. The Narrator is superb. The story is heart breaking and heart warming.

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4 people found this helpful

brilliant

avery brooks brings this excellent family history alive. i had never read or seen the tv show but wanted to learn more about slaves taken from africa to america. each generation has its own sagas like rape, being sold away from the family etc. the final chapter focuses on how alex hayley researched his family history. i have read that it isn't historically accurate but i don't care....its great.

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A life changing read

I implore anyone else who was once as ignorant as I regarding the slave trade to read this passionate, heartbreaking and informative book. It’s simply wonderful

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A Bit Long!

so pleased that I read this, very interesting. History is very important. If this was a hard copy I wouldn't even pick it up but the audio is great.

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