8/10I have always been fascinated with slave stories, particularly of slaves on the run. Not sure why. Perhaps it stems from watching 'Roots' and rooting for Kunta Kinte. Or from learning about all the cool Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad stories as a youngster in Elementary School. Wherever it comes from, I am always amazed at the courage involved as well as the lengths they would go to obtain their freedom.
This true story follows the life of Harriet Jacobs who writes remarkably well for someone who was denied an education, as was the case with many slaves. Her life turned for the worse when she was sold to a terrible human being and slaveholder. Her flight is absolutely amazing. Lets just say that she stayed in this tiny crawlspace in the attic of her grandmother's shed, still in the same town of her slaveholder, for seven years! Seven years! 7! Incredible. A sweet burn on the slaveholder was that she would write letters to him while still hiding in town and give them to someone she knew who would go up north and send them to him with a northern postmark to make him think she was up there. She finally escaped to the north where she experienced further trials but finally overcomes.
It's worthwhile to read if, like me, you enjoy slave narratives. It's also pretty inspiring. She also tells the story in an impressive way where she isn't calling for pity, pointing fingers, accusing all whites of slavery, or even holding grudges. Her quickness to forgive and not feel sorry for the wasted years in her life hiding in an attic is quite moving.
Some quotes from the viewpoint of a slave:
"Slavery is a curse to the whites as well as to the blacks."
"There is a great difference between Christianity and religion at the south."
"Childhood is like a day in spring, alternately shower and sunshine."
"There are no bonds so strong as those which are formed by suffering together."
"There are wrongs which even the grave does not bury."
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