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katseye116's review against another edition
5.0
A chilling, graphic account of the reality of slavery. I was particularly struck by the author's remarks on how the slavery system warped the white owners as well as the slaves. Also, her comments on the differences between abject poverty among free people and slavery are notable. It's so important that books like this are read so slavery isn't white-washed and romanticized.
sarahbc93_'s review against another edition
4.0
The difference between this narrative and some of the other narratives that were released from slaves or former slaves, is that this was a woman pleading with mostly other women, especially white women and begging them to see their humanity.
It follows a similar format as the others wherein it shows the background of the narrator and any family that they have in their formative years. It follows on with some of the events of the narrators life, the people that she comes into contact with and the ways in which they controlled and changed her life, whether good or bad.
Then it breaks and shows her escape and her concealment following her escape. It also goes on to show the fates of her family members and the continuation of her escape from Mr Sands and the threats for her recapture.
While each of the narratives are meant to shock the readers into understanding what the reality of slavery was, this is unique because of the sheer fact that the narrator is a woman. Her speaking with and to Northern White Women to get them to understand what happens to these slaves is what sets this apart for me. It’s almost a nod to the fact that women at this time would have been able to attempt to influence their fathers, brothers, husbands in order to change the status quo.
And that’s quite brilliant.
It follows a similar format as the others wherein it shows the background of the narrator and any family that they have in their formative years. It follows on with some of the events of the narrators life, the people that she comes into contact with and the ways in which they controlled and changed her life, whether good or bad.
Then it breaks and shows her escape and her concealment following her escape. It also goes on to show the fates of her family members and the continuation of her escape from Mr Sands and the threats for her recapture.
While each of the narratives are meant to shock the readers into understanding what the reality of slavery was, this is unique because of the sheer fact that the narrator is a woman. Her speaking with and to Northern White Women to get them to understand what happens to these slaves is what sets this apart for me. It’s almost a nod to the fact that women at this time would have been able to attempt to influence their fathers, brothers, husbands in order to change the status quo.
And that’s quite brilliant.
omg__gigi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
5.0
"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," authored by Harriet Ann Jacobs under the pseudonym Linda Brent, is a poignant and powerful narrative that exposes the harsh realities of slavery from a female perspective. Published in 1861, this autobiographical account serves as both a personal memoir and a broader commentary on the institution of slavery in America.
"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" is a crucial work that sheds light on the intersection of race, gender, and class in the context of American slavery. It remains a significant contribution to both African American literature and women's history, encouraging readers to reflect on the legacy of slavery and its enduring impact on society. Jacobs’ narrative is a testament to resilience, resistance, and the unyielding spirit of those who fought for their rights and the rights of future generations.
donnawr1's review against another edition
4.0
This memoir was almost lost to history, as it was published right around the start of the Civil War and it's intent to rouse anger at the injustice of slavery was overshadowed by the events of the day. But it is always so wonderful to hear the words of those that have lived the time and once again to see how slavery corrupts those who are the masters, even the nice ones.