At one point very close to the end Malik says something along the lines that 'this book turned out to be so much more than he had originally intended'. This goes to the core of my problem with this book....I do not think it is ever sure what it is supposed to be and that makes the reading experience difficult. It also makes the book less enjoyable. The best part for me was the epilogue. Special thank you to 4th Estate & William Collins (HARPERCOLLINS) and NetGalley for a no obligation digital advance review copy.

I was interested read this account as my white British grandfather was a superintendent for Booker in Hastings, Guyana in the 1930s. The author has gone to considerable trouble to chart his search, providing substantial background information whilst researching his roots. It’s a comprehensive read, dogged down with information which I didn’t expect and to be honest too historical. Regrettably I didn’t enjoy it, and found it tough reading. That said it may well appeal to those with stronger links to Guyana.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC for reviewing.

Searching for My Slave Roots follows the author, Malik Al Nasir as he traces the roots of his family. His has mixed parentage with a black father and a white mother. The story of his ancestors is one of slavery and takes place in both Liverpool and Demerara. In Guyana, he finds his ancestors were both enslaved Africans and prominent white slaveholders. This book opens new conversations around slavery and the importance of learning its history.

This is a really important non fiction work on slavery and this man’s personal journey. I found the first part the most impactful particularly when he spoke about his early experiences of racism as a child in Liverpool and the way society was structured. Even the minor mention of Golliwogs at the start impacted me because of the way people try and justify them when they are obviously racist. This was impactful and I would recommend it.