Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself Audiobook By Harriet Ann Jacobs cover art

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself

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Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself

By: Harriet Ann Jacobs
Narrated by: Jean Barrett
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One of the first personal narratives written by an ex-slave, this is also one of the few written by a woman. Harriet Jacobs (1813-97) was enslaved, along with her family, in North Carolina under a ruthless master who sexually harassed her. After several failed escape attempts, and several years of hiding, she finally made her way North to freedom, where she was eventually reunited with her children. The book was published in 1861.

Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc. Americas Cultural & Regional

Editorial reviews

Literate Harriet Jacobs escaped from slavery after many tries, finally freeing herself of a cruel, sexually abusive master. Jacobs survived to write and expose the horrors of life in slavery. Her autobiography substantiates the abuse endured by female slaves. Jacobs writes about her past with an almost academic detachment. Having survived she evolves into a historian, bent on accurately recording the damning truth for the purpose of social indictment. Narrator Jean Barrett’s calm conversational tone matches Jacobs’ understated language. Just like Jacobs, Barrett sounds educated and self-possessed. There is subdued passion in her voice, but no hysteria. Barrett’s precise speech and ironically polite oration underscores the miserable details of what Jacobs endured and triumphed over.

Critic reviews

"One of the major autobiographies of the African American tradition." (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.)
"Harriet Jacobs in her narrative reveals how she refused to be victimized within her own mind, but rather chose to act instead from a steadfast conviction of her own worth.... Hers is an example worth emulating even in these modern times." (Louise Meriwether)
Powerful Firsthand Account • Gripping Narrative • Heartfelt Recollection • Compelling Historical Perspective • Smooth Voice
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I say it's a hard read because hearing the things that happened to African Americans is so hurtful and horrible to listen to. I find much of the time I'm in shock or angry or both. But it's a necessary read, so that we never repeat the horrible history, and so we can understand what it these people were put through. I'm thankful she finally got her freedom and for her writing her account so we can see the wrongs committed by the person they were committed on.

Hard but necessary read!

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I love that this was a first hand account, I felt as though I was there with the author in real time.

Wonderful and thought provoking

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This is a must listen. Linda is so strong, and the best heroine. A sobering look at what people had to go through.

Eye opening. Stunning.

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I was riveted to this story. it held my interest throughout. A very sad part of our history.

Slavery at its worst

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The depravity of slavery. The utter disregard for men and women solely based upon the color of their skin. The dehumanizing of so many souls. Oh, how beautifully, with simple, heartfelt recollection, Harriet Ann Jacobs recounts her life as a slave. Powerful perspective we ALL should consider and remember. May all who read this take these truths to heart and resolve to treat ALL men and women the way they want to be treated: with dignity, respect, compassion and understanding.

Powerful, eye opening, heartbreaking, triumphant!

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was a very lovely book would read it many times over. of reading books on slavery from the slaves point of view

good book

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This is a book that everyone should read. Written in 1864 by a former slave it gives the reader a unique perspective on slavery that could only be given by someone that lived it. I think that most of us know what a terrible stain slavery is on our nation's history, but so many doubt the debt we owe to its victims. This is a gripping story that I stayed up until 2:30 AM to finish in one long session. Highly recommended.

Exceptional story

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It’s great. Unbelievable what slaves had to do for freedom and how the slave owners used and abused their slaves and offspring for life and then threw them away when they weren’t useful anymore.
It’s my 2nd listen in a few years and got a lot out of it that I’d missed before. Worth your while!

A Classic; holds up Very Well!

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first read this book in high school. it should be required reading and considered a literary classic. the story is raw, sad and heartfelt. the actions of so many characters were deplorable, while the actions of a few were beyond admirable - especially considering the time. thoroughly enjoyed the narrator, who displayed the right emotions and tones throughout the book.

a literary classic

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The best autobiography ever written.
So disturbingly sad. USA has a lot to recon with it’s horrible treatment of people of color.

Disturbing truth about slavery

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