Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

Linda Brent

Standard Ebooks

About this ebook

Harriet Jacobs was born a slave in North Carolina, but, in her words, didn’t realize it until her father died when she was six years old. Six years later, when her mistress died, she was bequeathed to the mistress’ granddaughter, thereby coming into the household of the mistress’ lecherous son. Several years later she escaped, only to have to hide for seven years in a cramped garret that did not allow her to stand or sit up. She was finally able to make her way north, where she was reunited with her children. Many years later, after narrowly avoiding capture multiple times due to the Fugitive Slave Law, her employer purchased her freedom.

Jacobs, writing as Linda Brent, tells the riveting story of her life in the South as a slave. She brings an unflinching eye to “good” masters and mistresses who nevertheless lie to, steal from, and continually break promises to their slaves, and to bad masters who beat and kill their slaves for no particular reason. Even in the North, after her escape, she is disappointed to find prejudice and degrading treatment for blacks. After having been convinced to write down her story, it took years to find a publisher who would print it. It was finally made available to the public just a few months before the shots at Fort Sumter that began the Civil War.

This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

Ratings and reviews

Wonderfully and eloquently written. A true edge of your seat literary masterpiece!! Miss Brent's story is sad and harrowing, yet triumphant in its ultimate ending! I shed many tears while reading this book. It is a must-read for anyone wishing to learn more about the horrors of slavery.

It really looked interesting. I'd like to post what I see thank you

Very emotional book inspired by true events.