lukebryan's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This is an absolutely incredible autobiography that is utterly essential reading. Harriet Jacobs' narration displays very clearly the awful abuses that she endures while trapped within and adjacent to the systems of slavery, as the focus is both on the wider and narrower horrors. This is an immensely emotional read, not only due to the gory descriptions of what she had to endure, but also the hopeful aspect of her escapes, including the focus on familial ties that keeps Harriet (Linda in the book) going. There is no dull page within this autobiography, and even though I may not reread it, it is in my head all of the time. Please read this.
Graphic: Gore, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Violence
lexarobinson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
A harrowing, incredible autobiography of a woman you cannot help but be in awe of. Jacobs (under the pseudonym Linda Brent) writes in a completely unmitigated light: her work is a harsh, moving recollection of the abhorrent realities of slavery. I doubt I will ever be able to read it again, but its content shall stay with me for a very long time - in short, it is an absolute must read.
Graphic: Gore, Sexual violence, Violence, Slavery, Death, Child abuse, Child death, Injury/injury detail, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
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