The author speaks about the book
here. It makes it clear why the book is titled the way it is in Canada.
Quote:
Q: The title is taken from the original historical book and is such a provocative and profound name for a novel. When did you decide to use it for your story?
A: I first thought of calling it Migrations, but it sounded too stilted and academic and boring. Then I got more into the original Book of Negroes and decided to have Aminata not only have her name entered into it, but to participate in writing it as a scribe working for the British in Manhattan. So, using it as the novel’s title began to seem like the right thing to do. I’m not a religious person – I was raised by two atheists – but I love the religious ring of The Book of Negroes. It sounds like something straight out of the Bible. I think it says everything.
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