Aminata Diallo

Aminata (pronounced "Ah-ME-naw-tah") is the novel's narrator, and a freeborn Muslim. Born in 1745 and raised in the village of Bayo in Africa, she lives with her parents Mamadu Diallo (father) and Sira Kulibali (mother). Her father is a Muslim and, recognizing his daughter's quick intelligence, he teaches her to read and to pray in Arabic. Through his teachings, he stokes Aminata's lively and fertile mind.

Aminata's facility with languages quickly becomes apparent. From a young age, she speaks both Fulfulde and Bamanankan, along with the Arabic words her father teaches her. She is also quite beautiful; her beauty is accentuated by the two crescent moon-shapes carved into her cheeks. She aspires to become a djeli, or storyteller, a wise person who travels the land spreading wisdom.

Aminata's mother teaches her how to catch babies and help pregnant women, a skill she puts to frequent use throughout the...