I just finished this book and I would recommend it to anyone who struggles to understand how slavery impacts us today. I think we'd all like to think that the implications of the events Harriet Jacobs writes about have nothing to do with us or our generation. So, the next time you find yourself in Barnes & Noble you may want to forego your latte and pick up this classic instead. It just might spark a change in your thinking...it did mine.
Her story is really personal. Along with many a story of brutal physical and sexual abuse Harriet Jacobs tells of the inevitable trials that lie ahead for the slave girl...
- of how one must wean her own baby so that she can give proper nourishment to her mistress' newborn
- of how she cannot enjoy the Christmas season because on new years her children will be sold into slavery and ripped away from her (and she doesn't even get to know where they go)
- of how black slaves are not allowed to marry and how black men are not allowed to stick up for their women or children
- of how the pregnant slave is often reminded of her own fate as she delivers yet another baby of her slave master
- of how she is made to believe that she is being cared for by her master and mistress as to somehow keep her full of gratitude towards them
1 comment:
Cane River is another good one.I will have to add this to my reading list.It might be hard emotionally but good too.I love you friend!
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