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A review by hopeloveslit
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs
5.0
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is a heartbreaking and powerful slave narrative. This novel is remarkable and should be required reading in every US state. I read this book for the first time in high school, and the impact was immense! However, Jacobs’s story hit me so much harder as an adult.
Harriet’s unique point of view is a must-read. She wasn’t physically abused (which is rare for a slave.) That doesn’t make her story any less cruel because slavery in itself is evil. However, her experiences are notably different. I think this is very important because there’s this universal view of slavery. In reality, experiences vary from person to person, plantation to plantation, and so on.
Naturally, it’s mind-boggling to read about humans owning other humans. However, what sends me over the edge is the wicked dynamic of mothers purchasing themselves and their children. Can you imagine that? Hoping to one day make enough to buy your child? That is beyond my comprehension.
Overall, I’m glad I took the time to reread this narrative. I highly recommend this book. The various incidents throughout Jacob’s life shed light on a gut-wrenching side of the institution from a woman’s perspective. *TW: sexual violence*
Harriet’s unique point of view is a must-read. She wasn’t physically abused (which is rare for a slave.) That doesn’t make her story any less cruel because slavery in itself is evil. However, her experiences are notably different. I think this is very important because there’s this universal view of slavery. In reality, experiences vary from person to person, plantation to plantation, and so on.
Naturally, it’s mind-boggling to read about humans owning other humans. However, what sends me over the edge is the wicked dynamic of mothers purchasing themselves and their children. Can you imagine that? Hoping to one day make enough to buy your child? That is beyond my comprehension.
Overall, I’m glad I took the time to reread this narrative. I highly recommend this book. The various incidents throughout Jacob’s life shed light on a gut-wrenching side of the institution from a woman’s perspective. *TW: sexual violence*