jem_carstairs's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.0


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jamieloraine's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0


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thomasina's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative sad medium-paced

4.5


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val_lenci's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

This title brought me to tears. There were moments when I had to take a mental break due to the description of the atrocities that happened to predominately Black women during this sinful period. Strong emotions held by desperation was expressed in every chapter. Her story thankfully ended on a satisfying note. It left me feeling strong; as in no matter how battling life can get, faith can still be found. (Hope I explained this correctly.) It is extremely advised to want to mentally prepare yourself before reading this book, especially if you identify as a black woman. 

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jaymepem's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

4.0


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xjr's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.5

I recommend the Oxford edition for informative annotations, some essays and some writings of Harriet's brother. 

The pace of the book is brisk and easy, unlike its content and my actual reading pace. 

This biographical fiction story contains many slave narrative tropes, but brings new light too. More introspection, a look into the sexual abuse of both men and women, a critical look into religion and the complications of being a mixed black woman with children. In all this darkness we still see hope for Linda doesn't only meet the worst of the worst but also some great people.

I see some claim that her editor L. Maria Child influences the story, but if Jacobs wasn't clever enough to write this I don't think she would have even been able to reach freedom like she did. I think the claim the text is only trimmed by her holds true.

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kathryngardyne's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

4.0


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joyful_tomato's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0


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