Thirty Years a Slave From Bondage to Freedom: The Institution of Slavery as Seen on the Plantation and in the Home of the Planter: Autobiography of Louis Hughes

by Louis Hughes

Louis Hughes was born a slave in Virginia and at age 12 was sold away from his mother, whom he never saw again. After a few interim owners, he was sold to a wealthy slaveowner who had a home near Memphis and plantation nearby in Mississippi. Hughes lived there as a house servant until near the end of the Civil War, when he escaped to the Union lines and then, in a daring adventure with the paid help of two Union soldiers, returned to the plantation for his wife. The couple made their way to Canada and after the war to Chicago and Detroit, eventually settling in Milwaukee. There Hughes became relatively comfortable as a hotel attendant and as an entrepreneur laundry operator. Self-educated and eloquent, Hughes wrote and privately published this memoir in 1897. It is a compelling account, by turns searing and compassionate about slavery, slaves, and slaveowners. No reader can be unmoved as Hughes tells about his five attempts to escape, about having to stand by helplessly while watching his wife whipped, of the joy of finally meeting again the brother whom he had not seen since they were little children in Virginia. Yet he also writes knowingly about the economics of slavery and the day-to-day business of the plantation, and the glass-house relationships between slaves and masters. Hughes died in Milwaukee in 1913.

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Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Classics, Historical, African American

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 1969

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

This is Louis Hughes (1832- )

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the month of February has been set aside to remember African American history, I felt I would be remiss to not at the very least read something to recognize this abominable period of our American history. Little did I realize that I had picked up several of these classic narratives when I first bought my Kindle over 10 years ago. One such memoir is Thirty Years a Slave, by Louis Hughes. Hughes writes in prose that is pragmatic, unsentimental, almost clinical with its indecorous verbiage such that the horrifying little stories and circumstances sound even worse because they are communicated in an almost journalistic way.

"The bottoms of my feet were scarred from the innumerable times my feet had been whipped to prevent me from running away."

"Boss was generous with his food such that although it was of poor quality, there was plenty of it."

Do any of these stories surprise me? No. I read Roots many years ago, when I was a kid. That tore me up, but this did, too. It definitely is a reminder as to what people do to each other, and why these reminders are important. In certain spots, I would be reading, and I would suddenly find my cheeks moistened by tears escaping from my eyes with little or no preamble. I don't know if I can read another of these this month. In any case, this is #14 of 50 from my Over 5 yrs TBR.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has presented this in such a way as telling a story, in a "matter-of-fact" way, from the time he was a slave until his taste of freedom and independence. It was enlightening to know what happened during those times, but even better to know that things still ended up well for him. I was also very fond of the fact that he liked nursing, and that he was a nurse at some time in his life (as I appreciate nursing as a career). This was his story, though I didn't feel too much of the emotions behind his words running deep, this was still a good insight into a life of someone who endured those dark times in history.

"I have endeavored, in the foregoing sketch, to give a clear and correct idea of the institution of human slavery, as I witnessed and experienced it—its brutality, its degrading influence upon both master and slave, and its utter incompatibility with industrial improvement and general educational progress. Nothing has been exaggerated or set down in malice, although in the scars which I still bear upon my person, and in the wounds of spirit which will never wholly heal, there might be found a seeming excuse for such a course. Whatever of kindness was shown me during the years of my bondage, I still gratefully remember, whether it came from white master or fellow slave; and for the recognition which has been so generously accorded me since the badge of servitude was removed, I am profoundly and devoutly thankful."

Highlights:
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/18937...

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirty Years a Slave, From Bondage to Freedom
5 Chapters

The true story of former slave Louis Hughes by Hughes himself. Hughes recounts his life, from being permanently separated from his black mother and most of his siblings, sold by his white father, resold various times after that, all of his struggles, and his freedom during the civil war.

As a child, he wasn't allowed to be a little kid. Although he wanted to play, he always had to work. At first the work was tiresome but as he grew, it became almost impossible. As a child, he was more of an errand boy that always had something to do. But he was at a cotton plantation and did have to work on the farm in busy seasons. He went from errand boy to butler of a great mansion.

A excellent short recount of Hughes life, which I'm surprised isn't very popular. Not that many people have read this book or even know about it. Although it is a short biography, it feels much longer because of all he has to say.

Hughes describes the process of being sold in great detail. If a slave was scarred, he was practically worthless. Slave whipping was a business in those times. "Whipping was done at these markets or trader's yards all the time. People who lived in the city of Richmond would send their slaves here for punishment. When anyone wanted a slave whipped, he would send a note to that affect with a servant to the trader..."

They felt grateful for feast days, church service, being the slave of a rich master instead of a poor one and all the little things that they had.

He explains the work in the field in great detail. They used to cultivate and harvest cotton and corn. In Virginia, the men used to do the harder work and the women the lighter work. He was surprised that in other places, this was not the case.

The master and mistress of the house were sadistic as they would constantly hit him and the other slaves for no apparent reason. One time, while the family was away, the overseer whipped a man so terribly that Hughes had to go for the doctor and even the doctor was appalled at the cruel treatment. Many times Hughes wished for his own death, as I'm sure all the slaves did at some point of their lives.

He tried to run away a couple of times but usually failed. He had great hope to get away. First to the free land of Canada and then to the Yankees. At first, he was always caught. He married and had children. He describes the abuse of his masters and the death of his loved ones. After many troubles during the civil war, Hughes and his family escaped enslavement.

This book reminds me so very much of Django Unchained. I'm sure Quintin Tarantino read this before he made the movie.

This book is very detailed and very well written. I believe Hughes was truthful in his recount. There is so MUCH to learn from it. “Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

We cannot ignore the past, we must know the past and look back at all the horrible events in order to not repeat them. Because believe me, there are many idiots willing to repeat history's messes without even knowing the fullness of it. There are still people today who are sold into slavery by their own people and there are still people being taken against their own will. Today's slavery cannot be overlooked.

[Srikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly engaging read.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recognizing the human rights struggle of my own time, I am taking a look back at the abolition of slavery in the United States to specifically examine the response of Christians -- white and black, north and south. Alongside a more theological view, I selected a few biographies to listen to people of the time. Louis Hughes’ Thirty Years A Slave: From Bondage to Freedom is one of those books.

The facts of Mr. Hughes life, particularly its early challenges associated with slavery are presented in a rational manner, including the primal wound of separation from his dear mother at a young age, the horrific experience of being sold, his repeated attempts to escape, and experiences of barbaric violence. It is important to note the struggles of Mr. Hughes life *even though* he was owned by a master that provided adequate food, clothing and shelter. It is also instructive to note Mr. Hughes craving for learning, efforts to secretly educate himself, and unfailing commitment to loving and serving God. These are perhaps particularly noticeable when you consider that, under the sway of eugenic ‘science’ AmerEuropeans questioned Africans desire to learn, ability to work in their own self-interest, moral rectitude and standing within the human family.

Telling his life story and experience with American slavery is Mr. Hughes primary focus, not theology. Nonetheless, I found his theology interesting. Hughes didn’t fall into depressive grooves of questioning God’s allowing slavery or the struggles of his life. Rather, he laid the blame for slavery entirely on the slave owners and those who helped them (traders, hunters, legislators etc). Hughes looked to God for freedom from slavery and sought to praise Him for every blessing.

Hughes recalls the good of his master and his family (thanking God for these blessings in dark days), while also testifying to their violence, and the corruption of violence upon those that administered it. His testimony brought to mind the ideas of another nineteenth century believer who prayed for the end of slavery. Elizabeth van Lew, a southern belle who spied for the Union during the Civil War, observed the corrosive effect of injustice on the *oppressor,* as well as the oppressed. While it may appear that some are broken and overcome while others are strong and triumphant, Van Lew hit upon the destructive impact of injustice upon both individuals and their society as a whole. She observed how the practice of slavery, and its defense through succession and war, corrupted the character of slavery advocates as if each act was nourishing the flower of wickedness inside them. Many slaves lost their lives, but the aggressors lost their souls, and jeopardized prosperity of future generations by bringing about the collapse of the society they sought to dominate. In relation to van Lew’s points, Hughes confirms both the twisting of character through progressive evil that van Lew observed, as well as the inspirational flourishing of Hughes’ own soul after horrific trials.

America sacrificed tremendous blood and treasure to end slavery. In Mr. Hughes, we see the burden it was upon the slaves themselves. We empathize with his attempts to protect his family, and also his attempts to escape. Understanding his suffering and the back and forth of the war’s impact on his fears and hopes for freedom, his account of the joy of liberation is stunning. Hughes draws us into his attempts to reunify with lost family members so that we feel his overwhelming emotion when successful and heartbroken isolation when they fail. After liberation, Hughes invites us to join in his logical praise of the Union soldiers who rescued his family, and all soldiers that served to preserve the country while overthrowing the peculiar institution.

If you have read extensively on slavery and the Civil War, you might not find much new in Mr. Hughes account. But I encourage it to be read, nonetheless, as a first person testimony regarding what American slavery was like in everyday life from his birth in 1832 through liberation. Through the joy and labor of freedom, and by listening to his endurance through cruelty, you will better appreciate the triumph of abolition for individuals and the country. After exhorting you to take the time to listen to Mr. Hughes’ testimony, his own closing words seem the best way to conclude.
“I have endeavored, in the foregoing sketch, to give a clear and correct idea of the institution of human slavery, as I witnessed and experienced it – its brutality, its degrading influence upon both master and slave, and its utter incompatibility with industrial improvement and general educational progress. Nothing has been exaggerated or set down in malice, although the scars which I still bear upon my person, and in the wounds of spirit which will never wholly heal, there might be found a seeming excuse for such a course. Whatever of kindness was shown me during the years of my bondage, I still gratefully remember, whether it comes from white master or fellow slave; and for the recognition which has been so generously accorded me since the badge of servitude was removed, I am profoundly and devoutly thankful.” Louis Hughes, closing paragraph of Thirty Years a Slave, 1897

For more…
Southern Lady, Yankee Spy: The True Story of Elizabeth Van Lew, Varon, 2005
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

On a theology of Africa for Africans…
Is Africa Cursed?, Adeyemo, 2009
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Mr. Hughes book was written in 1897. Years earlier Harriet Beacher Stowe studied accounts like his and wrote the fictional Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which Lincoln credited with starting the Civil War.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Stowe, 1852
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Abdullah Almuslem · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting life story from one of the many similar stories that took place during the slavery days in the United States.

Louis Hughes was born in Virginia, in 1832 to a white father and a black mother. He was enslaved since childhood and was separated from his mother at a very young age. He was sold from one family to another until he settled with one wealthy family. He worked there as a slave doing whatever he’s asked to do. He witnessed the cruel treatments by the white masters and experience some of it himself. Yet, Louis always claimed that his master was more merciful than other white masters. He tried to escape number of times but he was always caught. In 1861, the civil war started and all slaves started to smell the air of freedom. It was interesting to see the slow decay of the southern people that lived on a system founded on a slavery. The war continued and towns started to fall to the (Yankees) with many losses in lives. Eventually, Louis ran away and saved his wife after much of struggling. After the war, he moved to the north and educated himself in a night school. Eventually, he ended up working as a nurse.

The book will give the reader a glimpse of the inhuman establishment that existed in the south prior to the abolishment of slavery. It is sort of watching the movie 12 Years a Slave or Django Unchanged movies. By reading this book, the reader may become a little more compassionate when it comes to treating other human beings.

Overall, a sad book but not a bad one.

[Forked Radish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why so cruel? The slave owners were simply enlightened, progressive, materialists who either prefigured or embraced the dogmas of Darwinism, with its concomitant racial ranking, and Nietzscheism, wherefore, they knew themselves to be supermen, beyond good and evil. Besides, "It's the economy, stupid."- James Carville... A much better book than the ultimately tedious and tawdry "Gone with the Wind".

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have a lot of words. This was intense so much pain and heartache, but what a beautiful turn around.

[Alandrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed and personal account of life as an enslaved person before and during the civil war as well as the transition to freedom. Many parts were difficult to read due to the cruelty endured, but those uncomfortable truths need to be acknowledged and learned from.

[Yana Hasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptive, with strong emphasis on the fact that acts of brutality were the product of an institution.

[Alexandria Avona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly excellent book. He lost two children when the female master grew angry at his wife's dignity who said, "You shall not flog me." So she flogged her just to do it, and started doing it more and more because she was just a disgusting woman. She was the one who cooked her three meals; the woman she flogged, while raising two children. The babies died at around 1-3 years old it looked like because her milk was weak enough raising them while cooking three meals, and then when it added the bodily cost of flogging, it was too weak and the babies died. Apparently cruelty like that destroyed the credit of the slaveholders, and that women like that were some of the worst that the most unlucky were held to. What is really disturbing about this book is how when the Unionists are breaking up the rebel Confederate camps, a lot of the slaves are deep in Stockholm Syndrome and saying how they resent them splitting up their "happy homes", but then later these same slaves try to escape to Canada. It looks like Canada also failed Louis Hughes in a similar way, so I'm in good company. Canada is not all it's cracked up to be, it failed a lot of greats, Hughes among them.

Ironically I was speaking on the same slaveholding type corruption in the African warlords and oligarchs that fit exactly this pattern towards other women as described in the original chapters. Blacks were as capable of doing it to other blacks as whites were; but in the African case it was also met with gross incompetence that needs constant global support to even stay basically in power. Not that similar isn't true of a nation that has had to be bailed out by Germany and China more than once, but it's Germany and China's fault that they keep subsidizing the failing governments. They have no right to complain with these Deutsche and Musk deals. They are their own complaint, showing how yet again communist and post-communist logic isn't strong enough to say no that anti-corruption empowers one with.

The spirit of someone like Hughes' baffles me. How he can keep so even keeled about some of the most disgusting content blows my mind. He is still knee deep in slave attitude; this cannot be helped, it is clearly not safe for him to speak on how he might truly feel and the anger of it. It is stilted but beautiful writing. What really broke my heart is the fact that the whites didn't want blacks to hold any opinion other than the positive. It was a sign of a Confederate to have this struggle, ironically something people have been saying they have seen on Trudeau, with a consistent allergy against blacks "speaking truth to power" being the main complaint against the Confederate. It just goes to show Canada has not been what it's propositioned itself to be in many cases, and has failed many people who thought that it was better. It wasn't. This shows how slaveholding was a narcissistic addiction, and that they literally got high from the power addiction to the point they would put their own body in jeopardy to keep the high. In fact, McGee, Hughes' owner, died transporting the slaves unable to accept his time owning them had come and gone and he could no longer afford them. He died due to power-addiction riddled logic causing him to think he had abilities he didn't have in the high, and transporting the slaves to trains eventually killed him.

I think Hughes' final paragraph is the most important.
"I have endeavored, in the foregoing sketch, to give a clear and correct idea of the institution of human slavery, as I witnessed and experienced it--its brutality, its degrading influence upon both master and slave, and its utter incompatibility with industrial improvement and general educational progress. Nothing has been exaggerated or set down in malice, although in the scars which I still bear upon my person, and in the wounds of spirit which will never wholly heal, there might be found a seeming excuse for such a course. Whatever of kindness was shown me during the years of my bondage, I still gratefully remember, whether it came from white master or fellow slave; and for the recognition which has been so generously accorded me since the badge of servitude was removed, I am profoundly and devoutly thankful."

It was also very concerning to see how Frederick Douglass was backed so much by his publisher but his original book failed to even sell one or two copies in apparently post-slavery union America. This shows a lot of people were fakes who were ambivalent about the end of slaveholding. I think that's the most disturbing finding of all; when allegedly Union populations or Canada fail to show strong backing for exactly the perfect case of what they're allegedly trying to fight against. That's the most disturbing part of all, the fakes and frauds just doing it for looks. One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This does pretty good in speaking to that sort of joke of a liberal, who does everything to be seen as doing it in the eyes of others, but when the eye of social virtue is gone, they immediately, profoundly and embarrassingly flunk. It is disturbing to the point it is vomitable how prevalent that kind of narcissism is in the liberal community; putting on a show only to profoundly flunk in delivering. What's the point? Someone should do a more rigorous research on the situation where One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This left off, at least in that part. Trying to pull the "privileged" line about voluntary and involuntary self-harm was a "really, this is not the time unless you have a more thorough explanation that will actually resolve the phenomenon" moment.

But really, it is those compulsive moments, those inabilities to stop the compulsive abuse, the compulsive power addiction, the compulsive narcissism, the compulsive liberal-for-the-looks but then not actually buying the books..that lose the wars and hand the government over to complete nightmares. So I wish One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This had spoken more on what they mean by compulsive, involuntary self-harm and abuse because often that translates to that abuse just happening to someone else if you are unfortunate enough to be identified with by an involuntary self-harmer. Usually it has to do with the same pathways behind literal addiction, and that the compulsive abuse is hitting both the self-harm and actual addiction pathways. I wish they had spoken more on it instead of just applied narcissistic logic to it. All these "this was not the time to nitpick like that" become clearly about self-harm. The punishment, the taking away of rights...the fact that Hughes' wife got the one nightmare woman who was the worst that you were truly unlucky to have as a slave in the holding woman, the real nightmare woman that was the odd one out in terms of cruelty...it needs more research.

But this book proves that these abusers who subjugate other people are addicts and are addicted to the power high and should be viewed and treated as addicts, but this time of power.

[Jim Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hughes's autobiographical account of his life in slavery and later in freedom is spellbinding, infuriating, and ultimately triumphant. The cruelties he endured are incomprehensible and that they were perpetrated by people professing to be Christians is wholly offensive. The dignity and perseverance that this man exhibited is truly inspirational.

The book gives a remarkable account of the day to day lives of slaves, their masters, and the operations of antebellum society. Hughes explains how slaves were evaluated, bought, and sold. How cotton was planted, cultivated, and picked. What the tasks and duties were for slaves on the plantation. He also describes, in graphic detail, the methods of discipline on the plantation which were truly horrific.

These memoirs provide detailed insights into the lives of the McGee family members who were his masters. He also depicts the changes wrought on the society by the Civil War, his five attempts to run away, and finally emancipation.

I highly recommend the book, particularly to those interested in a greater understanding of antebellum life in the South.

[Jessica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just incredible!

I’m so glad I came upon this gorgeous story and have found a solid footing in non-fiction with it.
Hope is a continuing theme in this book and and was a necessary tool. It seems to me, that adversity stirred action within the people who suffered in the way Hughes depicts here. If you are to go on living, your spirit has to deny any chance of demise for you. Louis’s story is about perseverance in the face of injustice. His battle to survive helped him realize a great dream. I’m both amazed and mournful after reading these works. It’s startling, I think, how close this story will put you to the struggle and experience of the black man and woman and child in America. A lot of realizations come to mind in revisiting the past, about way of life, moral practices, and how a ruthless rebellion by the oppressed is and has always been the only way to clear a path to a new future. I love this book and will share it with as many people as I can.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imperative piece of non-fiction that can be read thoroughly in a day. It dresses up nothing and resolves only to tell the whole truth of Louis’ life and toils. Slave memoirs like this give shocking insight into the persistence of many ideas and beliefs of slaveholders into the present. You feel great and genuine disgust for the slaveholders solely for their own actions, narrated with sterile precision by Louis without exaggeration. Likewise, once he obtains freedom and begins to reunite with his family, his jubilance comes through the page earnestly. This book’s relay of the true Antebellum & Civil War South makes it a fundamental text- and it educates while still managing to be engaging.

This is really 4.5 stars for dryness, but it has great educational value- so the 5-star score is warranted. Should absolutely be read by every American.

[Sandi Dickenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encompasing autobiography. Impressive read. Written in a matter of fact style that relates details of harsh injustices without judgement. Many interesting facts of southern economy, house builds, production needs, etc. The writing style is not composed in an emotional vein even though the stories told are of cruel mistreatment.
I found this hard to put down and highly recommend it for those wanting to see how he overcomes his time in slavery to acheive all the fullness life has to offer.
He does mention the birth of his young son as the Civil War ends and it would have been nice to inform the reader about what happened to his wife and child or children and perhaps grandchildren as the years went by.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat terse account (although all 19th century authors I've read possess orders of magnitude more elegance than I), Hughes' story is one of the darkest I've read. I think its directness is in accordance with the brutality it depicts. I wept aloud as I read of his sweet babies and the love their mother was not permitted to show them; as they dwindled to the grave for lack of care under the thumb of a Southern Mistress. I would like to know what became of Louis and his wife after the account ends.

[Brandi Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and fantastic reminder how recent and horrible slavery is. Though we, as humans, have progressed, it was interesting to see the parallels to modern time. I loved that Lou continually sought education and personal growth. As someone who is utterly clueless as to the horrors that are the levels of physical, emotional, and spiritual torture, I am grateful to know this story. Lovely, haunting story overall. Thank you, sir, for sharing this.

I listened to this novel as an audio book (which I still consider cheating, but I'm trying to broaden my mindset).

[Anjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. The matter-of-fact manner in which the story of slavery and freedom is told is really unique. Everything about the narration of this book felt so real and humane: the yearning for freedom, the helplessness to act, the pain of humiliating whippings, and even the pity for the white folks when they lost the rebellion. The last part where the Hughes family is reunited with long lost family members who were also sold into slavery touches on things I had never even thought of in connection to the institution of slavery.

All in all, a really great read

[Anusha S Natesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard this as an audiobook, but would have probably enjoyed more if I read it, as it was hard to keep track of people and their names while listening.

But such a matter-of-fact book, that the author describes all the events that happened from him being sold to slavery to his freedom. It paints a picture of the situation of slaves, their mindset and their longing for freedom!

I was really hoping that he would finally become free after his 4th attempt. Salut to his persistence to escape and then succeed in his life, while mingling in.

[Jarrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceedingly heart-wrenching and hard to read in some areas. The matter-of-fact tone that Louis, our narrator and author, uses just highlights the atrocities that happened under American slavery.

Reading about families being ripped apart, the hard labor endured, and the lashings one received as punishment was a difficult, yet necessary experience.

Louis Hughes is a very gifted storyteller, this book should be required reading in schools as a testament to the torment African-Americans had to endure generation after generation. Such a necessary book to read.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the Audio book.

A first account view on what it was like to be traded and treated as a slave before, during and after the Civil War. It has graphic recounts of violence faced by those trapped in the brutal practice. Told in a chronological order and focusing on various aspects of "a day in the life of" you get a small idea of the cruel practices used against children, women and men that were different only in skin color. It was beautiful to see the stories of how strong some of their spirits were and of those that made it through terrible situations.

[Shreyans Sethia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, I believe, was an important read for me. While I had knowledge about slavery in USA, I had no idea what actually happened.

This book brings to light, all the cruelty and hardships that the slaves had to face. What is more astounding and humbling to me is the fact that Louis Hughes did not fail to point out the good acts (which were few) his 'master' or boss did for him. It really shows that he did not have hate in his heart even though he suffered so much under him.

[Dinah Beres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down.
A union soldier saw the scars on the back of a runaway slave working for the army and became an abolitionist instantly.
I think the scars on the author's back were at least that bad and would have a similar effect. The description of slavery conditions and brutality made it real and horrifying.
Blacks still suffer inequality but they have come a long way from the hell of slavery

[Julia Langnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating audiobook. Took a while to get used to the structure, as it lacked the diary entry format I've seen in other similar formats. This meant that the author was slightly more separated from the events in the novel, but it was able to accurately convey the horrors the slaves went through. Would recommend highly.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A difficult book due to the brutality of the slave owners, and the manipulated mental and spiritual state of the black populace in the south. I found it on librivox as an audiobook, and the narrator was decent. I think it's an important story and an important viewpoint of the historical state of the south, and perhaps its gives a explanation of the south to this day.

[Äkbar Äsghar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first hand account of a slave named Louis Hughes. Sold into slavery at the tender age of 6, he served his master, Mr. McGee, for thirty long years. This book chronicles his experiences and gives us an idea of the hardships and tribulations those servile beings endured. The narration is short and crisp, and the impartiality of the narrator is commendable.

[Antonis Giannoulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Μου παραθύμισε την καλύβα του μπάρμπα θωμα σε σημειο δλδ λογοκλοπής αλλά χωρίς υπερβολες και περιττούς συναισθηματισμούς αλλά αληθινές ακριβείς λεπτομέρειες. Μαρεσε η ανάγκη για ελευθερία του σκεπτόμενου δούλου που κάνει την μια αποπειρα απελευθέρωσης μετά την άλλη απλά κ μόνο γτ μπορεί κ σκέφτεται . Λιτό αληθινό και που αξίζει :)

[Chara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was...intense.

A small glimpse in African American history and the life of slaves in the 19th century.
The fact that it's so descriptive (even though written in very simple language), helps the reader understand (as much as one can since that's not a life we relate to) and it reminds us of how horrible slavery is.

It left me heartbroken and in tears.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many reasons this book resembles the other side of Gone with the Wind except that the ladies of the house are not like the malicious one in this book. This book is truly a story of the sorrow of mankind kept in captivity and the theft of lives unlived due to slavery and evil.

[Durukhshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sorrowful account of life under slavery and a beautiful picture of human resilience. Simple language is used for very heavy content. At a time when violence at the Charlottesville and the like happen, it is good to be reminded of the past and what history has to say.