Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl: Harriet Jacbos and Her Life as a Slave

by Harriet Jacobs, Tale Teller House (editor)

"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" is a poignant autobiographical narrative penned by Harriet Jacobs, under the pseudonym Linda Brent, recounting her harrowing experiences as a slave in the antebellum South. The narrative follows Linda's journey from a relatively sheltered childhood to her adulthood marked by relentless exploitation, abuse, and oppression. Forced into hiding to escape the unwanted advances of her master, Dr. Flint, Linda grapples with the agonizing choices she must make to protect herself and her children. Through her courageous narrative, Jacobs sheds light on the profound physical and psychological toll of slavery, particularly on women, revealing the dehumanizing effects of a system that denies individuals their autonomy, dignity, and basic human rights. "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a searing indictment of the institution of slavery in America.

222 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Vasundhra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent example against the claim that people are merely a product of their time. It is one of the most fallacious justifications for racism and sexism. It rests on the flawed assumption that individuals in the past existed outside the bounds of rationality, when in fact the capacity for moral reasoning has always been present. What a record, I wish it was taught to me in school.

[Gwen Kubberness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad and Violent read. But then I would expect being a slave would be all that and worse. She did a really eloquent job on her story.