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A review by bookishdamzel
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Read for Local Library Challenge Prompt: A Book Set or Written in the 1900s
Up From Slavery was originally published in 1900, around 35 years after slavery was abolished in the United States. This is an autobiography by Booker T. Washington; he was born into slavery, lived through the Civil War, saw the abolition of slavery, and lived through the reconstruction era in the south.
The book focuses on his early life for a few chapters, but then leans heavily into him creating the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and his want for creating his idea of success for those that were freed. He wanted to instill a sense of education, both written and hands on, a major focus on industry, and gaining property. (Basically the "American Dream")
Washington also seemed to brush off the effects that slavery had on some people, along with one chapter of him brushing off the forced assimilation of natives almost in mocking when it came to their hair being cut and things of that nature?? Idk it was very odd. But those were his thoughts I guess?
He's also very repetitive at points, which makes the book rough to get through. However, I think it is something worth reading and learning about Washington’s experience.
Up From Slavery was originally published in 1900, around 35 years after slavery was abolished in the United States. This is an autobiography by Booker T. Washington; he was born into slavery, lived through the Civil War, saw the abolition of slavery, and lived through the reconstruction era in the south.
The book focuses on his early life for a few chapters, but then leans heavily into him creating the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and his want for creating his idea of success for those that were freed. He wanted to instill a sense of education, both written and hands on, a major focus on industry, and gaining property. (Basically the "American Dream")
Washington also seemed to brush off the effects that slavery had on some people, along with one chapter of him brushing off the forced assimilation of natives almost in mocking when it came to their hair being cut and things of that nature?? Idk it was very odd. But those were his thoughts I guess?
He's also very repetitive at points, which makes the book rough to get through. However, I think it is something worth reading and learning about Washington’s experience.