by Alex Haley
First published 1980
Kunta Kinte, a proud Mandinka warrior, is violently captured and sold into slavery in 18th-century America. As he and his descendants fight to preserve their identity and culture, their story becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through triumph and tragedy, Roots lays bare the harsh realities of slavery while celebrating the enduring bonds of family.
Genres: historical-fiction, family-drama, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, resilience
Setting: Southern States
899 pages · Paperback · Da Capo Press
Content warnings: slavery, violence