The theme of "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill is the struggle for identity and freedom in the face of slavery and discrimination. This theme is introduced in the very beginning of the storyline, as the protagonist Aminata Diallo is kidnapped from her village in Africa and forced into the transatlantic slave trade. On page 11, Aminata says, "I was still myself but something inside had changed. I had been branded." This quote highlights the loss of identity and freedom that Aminata experiences as a result of her enslavement.
Throughout the storyline, Aminata's struggle for identity and freedom evolves as she experiences the horrors of slavery and witnesses the injustice and brutality of the slave trade. She is forced to adapt to different cultures and environments, and is constantly struggling to maintain her sense of self and dignity. Despite the many challenges she faces, Aminata remains resilient and determined to assert her own identity and fight for her freedom.
The message that Hill conveys to the reader about this theme is that the struggle for identity and freedom is an ongoing process that requires strength, resilience, and perseverance. Despite the many obstacles that Aminata faces, she never gives up on her quest for freedom and self-determination. Through Aminata's story, Hill shows that the fight for freedom and justice is a universal struggle that transcends time and place.