maigahannatu's review against another edition
5.0
Josiah Henson was a slave who worked hard and gained the confidence of his master, even though he had little respect for his master and no respect for the system of slavery. Mr. Henson was a man of principle, and, being led by his convictions instead of his heart, meant that he had to make some very difficult decisions. He eventually bought his freedom, but he was tricked out of even that. He eventually ran away with his wife and children. Mr. Henson was a follower of Jesus Christ and quite a preacher even though he didn't learn to read until late in life. It is also interesting how he was used as a "motivational speaker" among other free slaves in Canada to encourage them in better farming methods and farm management so that they could be more independent.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
4.0
Henson inspired Stowe's famous novel, and quite frankly, he should be more widely read. His narrative starts with violence towards his father, chronicles his work and eventually buying then losing his freedom, then taking his freedom. He is far more compelling in some ways than Douglas, perhaps because he is a family man.
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