A Search for One’s Roots
A Search for One’s Roots
Alex Haley’s novel Roots is an epic tale, and since it’s release over thirty years ago it has come to be regarded as somewhat of a classic, with the hugely popular T.V. adaptation being viewed by over 130 million people in America. In the 700-page historical novel, Alex Haley literally traces back his own roots, starting in 1750 in Gambia, and ending with the funeral of his father.
It is a story on a monumental scale, as within Roots Haley manages to encompass over 200 years of history. This is definitely not a piece of light reading, as the author’s language is incredibly detailed and has a multitude layers, from Kunte Kinte’s trials to Haley himself being at the centre of it all.
Haley‘s masterpiece is definitely worth the undoubted hours of concentration required as this is a painfully emotive book, but it is also enlightening and educational to some degree. Since it’s release, Roots has received many a criticism in relation to plagiarism, an allegation which has been proven to be correct, due o the fact that Alex Haley was ordered to pay 650,000 dollars for copying passages of the book from the novel, The African. Do not let this deter you from reading it though, just keep in mind that it is more for your reading entertainment than for historical enrichment.
On that basis, Roots is a fantastic read. The contrast between the start, when you are told about Kunte’s life, growing up as man from the village of Juffure, and from the moment that he is enslaved is truly heartbreaking, yet the lives of his descendants are truly inspiring. Such feelings of love, duty and their way of life are dramatically altered by his enforced slavery, replaced by fear, anger, and pure injustice. It is shocking to think what humans are capable of, and how much ignorant damage we can do.
Haley’s writing is a pleasure to read, such avid description really allows you to visualise every moment, Kunte’s trip from Africa to America being the standout part, as his journey is terrifyingly sickening while being simultaneously engrossing.
Roots is a fascinating adventure to be taken on, as you are given a truly indepth insight into the African culture, the struggles that the African people have had to endure, while also seeing the history of humans in a whole new light.