The Strength of These Arms: Life in the Slave Quarters

by Raymond Bial

Most slaves lived desperately hard lives, working from sunup to sundown, with few comforts. Yet despite their surroundings, they made homes of what they had. Holding fiercely to their African heritage while adapting to the customs of their strange new land, these first African-Americans handed down a legacy of perseverance and strength. The everyday life of plantation slaves is detailed in text and haunting photographs of recently excavated plantation sites, giving immediacy to the lives of enslaved Africans while paying tribute to the daily courage of a people who endured against all odds.

Genres: Nonfiction, American History, Picture Books, History

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 1997

About the author

Author and photographer Raymond Bial (1948-2021) has been creating acclaimed books for children and adults for more than thirty years. His books have been published by Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, Walker & Company, Marshall Cavendish, Crickhollow Books, and other fine publishers and university presses. Raymond also makes images on assignment, and his stock photographs have been used by book publishers such as National Geographic, advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, and media such as PBS.

Raymond’s most recent books are Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty, which is an excellent companion volume to Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side; The Shaker Village, a lovely collection of color photographs depicting the simplicity and grace of this remarkable utopian community; a lovely paperback edition of Where Lincoln Walked published in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of this great president; Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories, the third volume in a popular series of ghost stories for young readers; and Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs, which has been selected for the Junior Literary Guild Book Club. Rescuing Rover is currently receiving high praise across the country.

Chigger, his most recent novel, is receiving fine reviews from readers, young and old alike. Anyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely balanced look at the hard work and hard life African slaves endured while forced to serve their master, alongside the personal pursuits of establishing a home and community within the slave quarters. Plantation slaves made many contributions through their labor, as well as their social and cultural traditions, and those contributions have made a lasting impact on society.

A sobering and meaningful look at the unique story of a resolute and dignified people who never lost their fighting spirit, their sense of worth and value, nor their true identity.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this quick nonfiction book after reading Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham because I wanted to learn more about slave life and slave quarters as that history plays such a big role in Latham's novel. A great fiction-nonfiction reading pair to share with students grades 7 and up.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this quick but concise book in today because hey—I was cataloging and got all caught up in my favorite subjects—Tudor England, Cleopatra/Tutankhamen and the Egyptians, the Greek and Roman empire and another subject I have always been fascinated with—enslaved Americans whether through American Slavery, forced servitude, the Holocaust and the Civil War..always loved history and these periods fascinated me, if I had a head for dates I would definitely have been a History major but eh I just love to read LOL…so found this gem about life in the slave quarters and loved the description of men, women and children who struggled with strength and dignity against the outrageous institution of slavery—loved the portrayals of those who never gave up, made a way out of nothing, kept their heads up and their culture and family in their hearts as they endured the worst treatment of human beings in history. The stark contrasts of the barren but loved homes the slaves were forced to live in with the lavish luxury of the master big house were shown as well as heartwrenching stories of the struggle and ordeals they faced just to do the most basic of tasks: be with their families, relax, garden, clean—all the little things we take for granted with our “freedoms” today. I got a lot more than pictures and stories from this 38 Page read full of backstories and oral histories of the ones who lived through it..With the opening of the National African American History Museum, an amazing African American president in office and even an African American female Librarian of Congress to see where we came from with the beginnings that we have is not just awesome its inspiring..how the spirit of a people was not broken but strengthened, not discouraged but motivated and not defeated or broke down but forged strong as steel, unbreakable and determined to show those who thought we couldn’t that we can, will and be the best at it. I got the message, feel the fortitude of people I may or may not be related to that shaped me all the same..to know this dark history and not want the brightest future is impossible..ah I could read this powerful message all day and still feel this drive..that is a stuff of legendary history..we rise.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the photos and snippets from everyday life, but wasn't impressed with some parts where it seemed speculations on what people might have thought were presented as facts.