Breaking the Maafa Chain

by Anni Domingo

Breaking the Maafa Chain chronicles two sisters' struggle for true freedom in the mid-nineteenth century, when transporting slaves from Africa to America was an illegal but lucrative business

Nineteenth century-Two sisters, Fatmata and Salimatu, are captured and sold separately into slavery. Forced to change their names to Faith and Sarah, they end up in two different countries with opposite slavery laws. Faith ends up in America, where slavery is still legal and slaves don't have any rights. Sarah ends up in a Victorian England and as the goddaughter of Queen Victoria. Can the two sisters reclaim their freedom and identity in a world that is trying to break them down and mold them to its coloniser's will?

Based on the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Breaking the Maafa Chain will take the readers on a journey of loss, survival, hope, identity and tradition.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Africa, Historical, Fiction

472 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2021

Reviews

[Nichole L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Movies, Shows, & Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Although an incredibly evocative story of historical fiction, Breaking the Maafa Chain was based on the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta... As it is stated in the synopsis. Anni Domingo wrote a brilliant and emotional story of two sisters during the slave trade in history.

I'm not a big history buff, but Breaking the Maafa Chain drew me in to endure the journey of these two sisters with each turn of the page. My heart ached for them as they struggled to survive and not lose hope. Anni Domingo captured deep awareness and compassion for these sisters during the slave trade. Each sister going down their own paths in opposite directions, and yet, both persevering and never forgetting who they are.

I was completely engrossed into their story and in awe of the author's vivid details in her storytelling. I thoroughly was captivated by this riveting historical telling that I would love to see another book, or sequel, to the continuing lives of these sisters. I highly recommend Breaking the Maafa Chain since, in my opinion, this is a poignant telling of a part of history that would bring about all kinds of feelings.

Reviewer: Jasmine
Disclaimer: We received a free copy for an honest review. All is my own opinion.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 72 years old Anni Domingo debut novel and it's incredible! Captivating, sad and powerful, Breaking the Maafa Chain tells us the story of two sisters in the middle of the nineteenth century. Please read it!

[Benedicta Dzandu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending felt rushed, I just hoped it was going to get better but it never did. An okay read

[Carole Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt , inspirational and a phenomenal read

I loved the juxtaposition between historical and fantasy-the ‘real’ Sarah and her fictional sister and the woven stories of their separate journeys. This book is well written, with a unique format and under explored subject and is completely absorbing. It should appeal to anyone, with or without a historical interest, who will, no doubt, enjoy a memorable read. I look forward to the sequel.

[Agustina Mansilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story tells of Fatmata and Salimatu, two sisters who are captured in Africa during the 19th century and sold as slaves. Fatmata is sent to the U.S. to work on the plantations, while Salimatu lives in England under the protection of Queen Victoria.

I was totally captivated by the story of Salimatu and Fatmata. It is a fascinating, raw story that accurately describes the horrors of human trafficking.

[Sara Raquel Cervantes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anni Domingo has written a wonderful historical fiction novel with bits and pieces of factual history sprinkled throughout. Told from the viewpoints of two sisters, Salimatu and Fatmata, this book depicts the cruelties of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the impact it had on family units and an individual’s cultural identity.


Three stars for this one because I was deeply disappointed in the ending.

[Zell Murdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written and such a richly woven tapestry of imagination and fact. The characters were fully fleshed out, the story followed their growth in a really cool way, and this was both heartbreaking and gorgeous. This book deserves a ton of attention, it is on the same level as the works of Yaa Gyasi and Colson Whitehead, if not better.

[Diane Biros · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and the development of the characters. I was fascinated by the storyline of Sarah Forbes Bonetta. I like that aspects of the storyline were based on true events. It made me want to find out more about her life and story. I was disappointed in the ending of the book as it felt rushed and inconclusive.

[Carol Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Salimatu/Sarah Forbes Bonetta, rescued from enslavement to become the goddaughter of Queen Victoria, and her fictional sister Fatmata/Faith sold and trafficked to the US through the TransAtlantic Slave Trade. Detailed story of the pain, trauma and desire to reconnect told in alternating voices and point of view.

[CR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical story was one that will break your heart. I loved the journey of these two sisters and everything they went through. This is a story to be in everyones hand. It tells the story of slavery and was just so powerful. ~UR

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started so good and was heading toward an easy five stars . . . until the last few chapters disappointed me. I still recommend highly if you like historical fiction (and especially if you've seen that episode of Victoria where Sarah comes to live with the Queen for a short time).

[Neme Onyejesi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was okay. The ending seemed a bit rushed and unsatisfactory but I liked the journey.

[Helen Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5

[tri ܁ ˖ ♬⋆.˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD. THIS IS A FUCKING MASTERPIECE. THIS HAS MADE HISTORY REAL TO ME. THIS BOOK HITS SO HARD IT'S INSANE. EXCUSE ME I HAVE TO LIE DOWN. OH MY GOD

[AP · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second half of this book did not hold my attention at all and the end?

[Lady R · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. It was going well albeit a slightly predictable story line until the horrible rushed unsatisfying ending. Why do authors do this?

[Di Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking work of historical fiction. Domingo writes 2 sisters, 1 Sarah Forbes Bonetta the African Princess and actual god daughter of Queen Victoria. The other, Fatima (Faith) who is a complete work of Domingo's imagination.

The story concerns the plight of these 2 sisters after they are captured and sold into slavery.

This was a book that took me a long time to finish, because I didn't want it to end. The sadness was overwhelming!

[Lakecia Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal read filled with emotion! Fatmata and Salimatu are African princesses captured into slavery, after their village was destroyed and their parents murdered. They each experience their own lives along the Middle Passage. Throughout the story I wished and hoped the best for them. There were times of great hope but then it was dashed with great sadness and hurt....the pain I know my ancestors experienced that hurts us all today!