Incidents In the Life of a Slave Girl
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4.7 • 1.1K Ratings
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Publisher Description
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
An Apple Books Classic edition.
Harriet Jacobs was born into slavery on a North Carolina estate, where she remained for the first six years of her life. Harriet and her mother served the mistress of the house, who taught Harriet to read and write and promised the enslaved girl freedom. That promise was broken when Harriet was sold into worse circumstances. She went on to have two children with a white man in the hopes of staving off the attentions of her cruel master, but when her plan backfired, Harriet decided to save her children by risking her own life—and running.
Published in 1861, Jacobs’ autobiography captured what life was like for a fugitive: always afraid, always on the move…for years. Hers is one of the first such accounts written by a woman, offering an intimate perspective on the dehumanizing horrors inflicted upon enslaved women. Jacobs’ autobiography helped mobilize many people to the growing abolitionist movement, and the book shows why Jacobs is considered not only an important abolitionist but also a feminist. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl deepens our understanding of slavery’s legacy.
Customer Reviews
Sad yet so beautiful
This is probably the greatest book I ever read concerning slave life during the 1800s. Well worth the read even if your not interested in slave history. This book really forces you to consider your own character and respect the amazing ability humans have to tolerate hardship and tribulation.
An Absolute Must-Read Book
Shocking. Suspenseful. Educational. I devoured this book and make copious notes throughout it. What a disgusting practice slavery was. What despicable people the white Southerners were (and some still are). I would have this book in every high school English classroom if it were up to me. The pains that Linda goes through to keep her family together and alive are simply astounding. Seven years in a 7x9x3 foot space with vermin and exposure to the South’s ill climate. Horrible! This should be a mini series on TV. It needs much more attention, now more than ever.
Love the book!!!
One of the best books I’ve read about slavery and the emotional, physical and psychological toll that it had on those in bonds. Highly recommend it to anyone who even is marginally interested in chattel slavery in America.