Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives

by Spencer Crew, Ruby Dee, Angela Bassett

When the Civil War ended in 1865, more than four million slaves were set free. Over 70 years later, the memories of some 2,000 slave-era survivors were transcribed and preserved by the Library of Congress. These first-person anecdotes, ranging from the brutal to the bittersweet, have been brought to vivid life in this unique HBO documentary special, featuring the on-camera voices of over a dozen top African-American actors.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Memoir

75 pages, DVD (NTSC)

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Queenie Gultia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking book with narratives of POC that actually went through slavery. To see pictures of the individuals who experienced slavery made it more true to life, thus scary how slavery was not that long ago in our lifetime even though we live in the 21st Century.

The part that got to me the most was how women were seen less than live stock and were more prone to violence. “They were pressured to produce as many children as possible in order to reproduce the labor force”, (page 38-39). Aside from physical labor, women in their prime was seen as a great source of providing more slave for the slaveowner since they wouldn’t have to purchase them if they got them free.

The slaves even though they knew the danger of learning how to read and write still held great desire attaining them. They slaveowners in the South knew that the greatest hold they had with their slaves is their ignorance.

Even though slaves lived in perpetual violence and fear this did not deter their desire for freedom. The slaveowner may break each of the bones of the slaves and crush their spirit. Nevertheless, “freedom” was never a defeated notion in the minds of the slaves.

[Talisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many times, I found myself reading through one of the interviewed accounts, and wiping tears from my face, I hadn't even realized I was crying. The perseverance of the human spirit is an amazing thing. I think that this should be taught in schools as part of the curriculum, focusing on that viewpoint of history. Actual eyewitness accounts.

[Merri Carol Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every American should read this book. If not this publication, there are additional books and videos that present the over 2000 interviews with former American slaves. Slavery is America's shame. The founders of our country kept freedom from these Americans. As a white American, I am sorry for this grief. I hope for healing.

[Lyndsay]

This was another book I picked up for free from the library… slave stories in their own words. The book acknowledged the biases of the transcribers, who were all white, and they also noted how the people being interviewed may have watered down their stories for the white interviewers. But it was an interesting read nonetheless.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserved 5 stars because it is a true account of what people went through and their experiences. I'm not sure why I have an interest in reading these narratives as they are a sad reminder of the past, but I appreciate the freedoms of today after the reading.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I just need time to sit and think. It was so intense. Hearing from these human beings that were once property, makes me feel ways I’ve never felt. I feel closer to myself, yet further & I don’t know why.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read History has a way of repeating itself, this book does have some similarities to things going on right now. Very Informative we all need to know where we're come from Historically (not always about slavery).

[Kathy Dobronyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful read of people who were enslaved in a cruel institution where their work was not respected and their labor was unpaid. Their words give credence to their humanity and flesh to their bones.

The photographs in the book are powerful and poignant.

[Brian Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, quick read to accompany the documentary.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of selections from the Library of Congress's extensive collection of slave narratives collected during the Great Depression was put together to accompany the HBO special of the same title. Grouped into chapters by themes such as family, slave auctions, living conditions, punishment, etc., and illustrated with black and white photos of the interviewees and of the slave experience in general, this is a good introduction to the genre, and to the varied experiences of African slaves in the US.

[Prettypunk181 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is really good so far. Might be a bit hard for others, It's kinda like Uncle toms Cabin, well just cause in the book they put the words as they hear it "massa don talked to da misses bout sellin me an allus say he wouldn but dat he did" but I liked learning about what had happened in slave days from slaves point of view. And what the "massa" had done for punishment and all that. And theres lots of pictures, and I do like picture books haha.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compilation of thousands of interviews with former slaves. Everyone should be required to read this book (or one like it) just to keep history from repeating itself.

However, it is very brief. I wanted more.

[Phoena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excerpt from the several volumes of Slave Narratives does in the 1930s. I'm so glad this project was done. I think all of us spoiled Americans could benefit from reading these and knowing the hardships they faced and maybe we'd complain a little bit less about our own problems.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this years ago, and finally bought it. It was a quicker, easier read than I expected. I wish there had been more than just snippets of the narratives, but it was still a very compelling read.

[Kitara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting look into my ancestors past. I can never imagine how i would have survived in those times like these people were able to.

[Mary Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tremendous book, history from the lips of our ancestors.

[Tamdaqueenhotmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting to read and informative. Such sad times.

[Jessica Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book but an extremely necessary book. This has been so helpful in my research.