The Bondwoman's Narrative Audiobook By Hannah Crafts, edited by Henry Louis Gates Jr. cover art

The Bondwoman's Narrative

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The Bondwoman's Narrative

By: Hannah Crafts, edited by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Narrated by: Anna Deavere Smith
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An unprecedented historical and literary event, this tale written in the 1850s is the only known novel by a female African American slave, and quite possibly the first novel written by a black woman anywhere. A work recently uncovered by renowned scholar and professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., it is a stirring tale of "passing" and the adventures of a young slave as she makes her way to freedom.

The Bondwoman's Narrative tells of a self-educated young house slave who knows her life is limited by the brutalities of her society, but never suspects that the freedom of her plantation's beautiful new mistress is also at risk...or that a devastating secret will force them both to flee from slave hunters with another powerful, determined enemy at their heels.

This program includes an exclusive interview with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

©2002 Henry Louis Gates, Jr., All Rights Reserved (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of the AOL Time Warner Book Group Classics Freedom Witty

Critic reviews

"Thanks to the unrelenting probe of a Harvard University historian, again, we get the story from the woman's mouth itself. We learn the day-to-day experiences of a bondwoman through her fiction. We see in the intimacy of Craft's novel the gross, ugly vulgarity of the 'peculiar institution'." (Maya Angelou)
"Let it be emphasized that this novel is not simply a historical document but also a vivid, compelling narrative." (Booklist)
Captivating Narrative • Historical Authenticity • Engaging Story • Educational Value • Emotional Journey
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I appreciate listening to this story uniquely written by a formerly enslaved woman. The verification info from the man who purchased & published the manuscript is fascinating! What an accomplishment for Hannah Craft to write this! It is in the sentimental style of its time, but nonetheless a treasure from a woman who likely fought hard to be in the position to write this.

Unique listen

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I loved this. Hannah’s strength, perseverance and her beliefs surpassed the misfortunes she faced and she was rewarded with a wonderful life filled with love. My only wish was all the enslaved peoples had a similar end.

The Bondswoman’s Narrative

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Excellent performance of a very important work. It does at times seem a bit sensational, but still very well done. I'm grateful to Dr. Gates for bringing this book to light. Bravo!

Excellent! Very well done!

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What did you love best about The Bondwoman's Narrative?

The rich language which transported me in time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hannah by far was my favorite character. I loved how she leaned on scripture to get through the bad times. But Lizzie was a fun character too.

Loved it!!!

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The narrator is unbelievably bad, but the story so good I willingly stuck with it! I sure wish they’d re-record this with a competent narrator. The novel deserves so much better! Definitely recommend, despite the poor narrator.

Amazing story- so glad I listened

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Human, horrific, exciting and ultimately an exposure of the best and worst of people… from the 1850s but with recognizable traits that can still be found in humans today.
Not to be missed.

Harrowing page turner with historical details

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This book was amazing on so many levels. I loved the story, the way it was written, and the narrator. Hannah Crafts story was haunting as it showed this woman's journey through the ups and downs of "a slave's life". She was definitely one who lived under the rules of enslavement, but she was never a slave. I will be sharing this narrative with my children.

Captivating!!!!

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After the end of the story, and after the interview with Dr. Henry Lewis Gates, Jr., it is basically stated that any resemblance to real people is by coincidence. In fact, as Dr. Gates noted, many of the people and incidents in the story were based on real people and events. It is confusing that Audible deemed it necessary to state otherwise.
I should admit that I first listened to “Finding Hannah Crafts” which I consider a companion novel and well worth listening to. By listening to it first, it made me much more willing to get through the use of arcane language.
Overall, I found both books fascinating.

Insight into the thoughts, challenges and successes in the life of a woman who had been born a slave in the 1850s United States.

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Loved the story, narration and explanation of the style and authenticity of the book by Henry Louis Gates Jr. Well worth reading for students of slavery and emancipation. Very unique and moving.

Moving story - excellent production

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Although the protagonist speaks with a remarkably cultured voice for a slave, the cloying and often flat descriptions do sound authentic to the period. I loved the mystery of this book - was it really written by a slave, or is Gates pulling one over on us? In any case, the narrative of her sad life is shocking, because it is hard to imagine that so recently in our history we could have deprived human beings of their fundamental rights. Certainly worth listening to - in fact, perhaps more interesting to listen to than it might be to read.

The Bondwoman's Narratve

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