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It is the story of an African who was captured and sold as a slave in America and of his descendents. In case you didn't know, the story was made into the first week-long television mini-series and even ran on Malaysian TV.
In Melbourne I borrrowed the DVD collection from my sister. There were 5 DVD's in total. I didn't cry but I have to admit, it was quite emotional. We thought of watching only one DVD and the others later because it was quite late. Ended up watching all of them until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore.
I decided to buy the book when I got back to Malaysia but my wife told me that her mother had a copy. And there it was in their bookcase, pages yellowed but still in a good condition. The book was much better.
The book has been published in 37 languages and also generated widespread interest in genealogy - researching family origins.
It really made me think about my own roots. Frankly, I don't know much beyond my own grandparents, where they came from or even their names.
Of course most people don't care. There are people who even reject their own roots. A good example are Malays who try to be more Arabanized than the Arabs. Banning Mak Yong is another.
Do you know your own roots?
Related Links:
- The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation
Tags: Alex Haley Books Roots