A review by isirla
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs

5.0

This is a story of triumph, despite living in a world that didn't recognize our narrator as a human being. It's a sobering thought for an able-bodied, female-presenting individual of Caucasian descent to read about the horrors Black People endured during times of slavery. They had no basic human rights. We take so much for granted, including our ability to stand up for what is rightfully part of our human rights. Without a voice or any say in their lives or their children's lives, Black Slaves lived in constant fear of persecution at the whims of white individuals. I use the term "individuals" here because Slaves weren't even safe from their masters' children! I cannot fathom how cold a heart can be to take a baby away from a mother, regardless of the colour of their skin. These passages ripped my insides to shreds. 

This is a beautiful and gripping testimonial of extreme inner strength and determination to live a free life, as she should have been entitled to, and the journey she took towards living as a free woman.