When I Was a Slave Memoirs From the Slave Narrative Collection Read Aloud

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This short book is a collection of slave narratives gathered through interviews during the 1930s by interviewers of the WPA's Federal Writers' Project. In that location are a full of 34 narratives from slaves throughout the due south. Each tells his or her own story that includes the moment when they learned they had been emancipated. They all lived a hard life. Some had more fond memories of their family unit and fifty-fifty their chief's family, only well-nigh testify the cruel treatment they endured and the lack of life-susta This curt book is a collection of slave narratives gathered through interviews during the 1930s by interviewers of the WPA'southward Federal Writers' Project. There are a total of 34 narratives from slaves throughout the s. Each tells his or her ain story that includes the moment when they learned they had been emancipated. They all lived a hard life. Some had more fond memories of their family and even their master's family unit, but most testify the cruel treatment they endured and the lack of life-sustaining provisions, such every bit food, wearing apparel, and residual.

What I found interesting was the age of all of these slaves. For them to have lived without so many needs being met, with a lack of decent food, they all lived to at to the lowest degree their tardily 80s and fifty-fifty into the 100s. Obviously, these are resilient people. It makes you wonder what they could have accomplished in life if circumstances were unlike.

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Apr 22, 2013 Emma Sea rated it really liked it

It was a error to read this 1 after Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, because that is a single narrative; or, rather, a collection of narratives from a single person, taking identify over an unabridged life bridge. In contrast, this book is a series of very curt narratives from 34 dissimilar people. Because of this, although many of the stories are gripping/heartbreaking/rage-inducing, every bit a book it doesn't have the same power that Jacobs's piece of work does.

Despite this, an engrossing read.

It was a mistake to read this i later on Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, because that is a single narrative; or, rather, a collection of narratives from a single person, taking identify over an unabridged life bridge. In contrast, this volume is a series of very brusque narratives from 34 dissimilar people. Because of this, although many of the stories are gripping/heartbreaking/rage-inducing, as a book it doesn't take the same ability that Jacobs'southward work does.

Despite this, an engrossing read.

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April 09, 2017 Sean Chick rated information technology it was amazing

Personal stories ever complicate the broad strokes of history and reinforce them all at once. The portrait of slavery here is both more and less cruel than the variety I grew up learning almost. The barbarity of the system was its arbitrariness, where a slave was wholly at the whim of a master. The savage ones in this book have a near nightmare quality. Ane of them murders his slave's wife and has him dispose of the body in the Mississippi River. Kinder masters (for lack of a amend word) tended Personal stories always complicate the broad strokes of history and reinforce them all at once. The portrait of slavery hither is both more than and less vicious than the multifariousness I grew upwards learning nigh. The boorishness of the system was its arbitrariness, where a slave was wholly at the whim of a principal. The cruel ones in this book have a well-nigh nightmare quality. 1 of them murders his slave'due south wife and has him dispose of the body in the Mississippi River. Kinder masters (for lack of a ameliorate discussion) tended to take their slaves work for them later the war, although nearly every slave says no matter the master, they wanted to experience liberty. Even then, at that place are ii slaves in this volume who miss the onetime days. There is e'er somebody who contradicts the general trend.

Overall, the mix of personal stories offers a complicated view of the chief slave human relationship while reinforcing the horror of the organization. I dare any "race realist" to read the accounts of children and parents separated or of slaves beaten to a lurid and smeared with salt and pepper to "cure the meat" and not feel that this was wrong. Information technology also becomes easier to understand why the descendants of the slaves remain in poverty. The Wedlock army freed them only did little else and the boilerplate postwar wages reported by the slaves in these accounts is rather low. To a bottom degree, it will likewise exist good for historians of race and slavery every bit well every bit social activists to recognize that not every slave hated their master, which may explain the absence of post-state of war accounts of slaves murdering their former masters. Indeed, the most interesting master in these accounts is Tabb. He seemed to non like slavery but was unwilling to set them free due to peer pressure. So he allowed them to escape in a trickle.

Sadly, slavery was a norm of civilisation until 150-200 years ago, and is however practiced to this day. For that reason lonely every one should read this book. If I withal taught in school this is what I would assign the students.

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January 20, 2017 Pam Walter rated it it was astonishing

It would accept been hard for a white man or woman to write nearly slavery. Information technology would accept been difficult for a descendant of slaves to write about slavery. With this volume the stories are beginning hand.

When I was a slave came into beingness during the neat low of the 1930s when FDR created the WPA, which funded the Federal Writer's Projection. From the FWP this book is a compilation of interviews with former slaves, ages 84 to 120 years. Having read extensively on the subject of chattel slavery, I thought

Information technology would accept been hard for a white human being or woman to write about slavery. It would accept been difficult for a descendant of slaves to write about slavery. With this book the stories are start hand.

When I was a slave came into existence during the cracking depression of the 1930s when FDR created the WPA, which funded the Federal Writer's Project. From the FWP this book is a compilation of interviews with one-time slaves, ages 84 to 120 years. Having read extensively on the subject of chattel slavery, I thought that I had heard it all. I had not. Without exception, those interviewed referred to themselves equally 'nigger'. Almost every ex-slave interviewed spoke of his/her fearfulness of what they chosen Patterrollers - pattyrollers or paddy rollers [commendation needed], , which were organized groups of white men who monitored roads, and enforced subject field upon black slaves in the antebellum U.S. southern states. Slaves were arrested or 'captured' for being off their plantation without a pass. The patroller's chief tools were whips and intimidation. Slaves were arrested and 'chastised' and then returned to their "Marsters". Plain some were returned to the auction cake to be sold to a new primary often separating families.

Of 34 narratives, probably 25 described being beaten, and that often meant 50 lashes with a bull whip. I adult female told of her eight month old baby sister being beaten to death past the Missus, for crying. Almost equally bloodcurdling to me were the poor souls who thought they had been so happy and loved because their owners never beat them and they weren't required to work on Sundays, and had plenty of food to eat.

An accurate picture indeed. Five stars.

Sad to think that as of today ane/20/2017, American progress in civil rights is taking a nose dive and that we will be returning to an era of bigotry and oppression.

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Dec 08, 2015 Sandy rated it really liked it

This book really impacted me. To read first-manus accounts of American slaves was extremely eye-opening. There was a vast range of experiences related. Many of them made me cringe - I am dumbfounded and aback that humans accept the chapters to be and then heartless and cruel to each other. There were besides many examples of kindness in the midst of a horrible time. Reading this book has spurred me on to read some other, longer slave narratives.

Enlightening

This book should be required reading for anyone learning American history. We only become taught about slavery in school from the white perspective. It's completely dissimilar when the people tell their stories themselves.

Apr 22, 2017 Joanna rated it it was amazing

This is what I call meaningful history. This drove of 34 different narratives told from former slaves is powerful and depicts the cruelty, inhumanity and complexity of slavery. Read it! Permit their voices sink in...

Simply heartbreaking. What ever made the white human believe he was better than all others and could dole out this sort of shit?

Jun xi, 2020 Barb Peterson rated it really liked it

The origin of this book = copied from Google reads = "In an effort to provide unemployed writers with piece of work during the Neat Low of the 1930s, the United States Government, through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), funded the Federal Writers' Project. ." This project ran from 1936 to 1938. So the book is a collection of interviews with one-time slaves. Each story is fascinating. The range of slave owners empathy and cruelty is astounding!! Some slaves were treated similar family unit - some due west The origin of this volume = copied from Google reads = "In an effort to provide unemployed writers with work during the Swell Low of the 1930s, the United States Authorities, through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), funded the Federal Writers' Project. ." This project ran from 1936 to 1938. And so the book is a collection of interviews with old slaves. Each story is fascinating. The range of slave owners empathy and cruelty is phenomenal!! Some slaves were treated similar family unit - some were so cruel we would not treat our dogs like that. It is a very eye opening experience. ...more

December 13, 2016 Tom Johnson rated it it was amazing

This was our nation - this is our nation. 2016, We have elected a white supremacist to be our president - an orangish one at that - maybe next they'll release Charlie Manson an nosotros'll all follow him - 2016, 156 years after Appomattox and the trunk count in the boxing over racism keeps climbing - the side by side 4 years are going to be hellish. The book was well put together - very modest font - yet still like shooting fish in a barrel to read - Wonderful antiquity from the Roosevelt years. Good text, simply ane typo, "1868" should have This was our nation - this is our nation. 2016, We have elected a white supremacist to exist our president - an orange i at that - maybe next they'll release Charlie Manson an we'll all follow him - 2016, 156 years later on Appomattox and the body count in the battle over racism keeps climbing - the next 4 years are going to be hellish. The volume was well put together - very small font - yet still like shooting fish in a barrel to read - Wonderful artifact from the Roosevelt years. Good text, merely 1 typo, "1868" should take been "1863". Unnerving how barbarous so many of the "ol' miss" women were - every flake as sadistic as the men. Written in dialect with many obscure words (some google, some don't). Favorite quote from page 82; interview with Tines Kendricks at age 104 (former 1936-1938), "I ain't never been ill whatever in my life 'scusing dese last years, when I get so old and feeble and strong in de joints, and my teeth began to cave, and my old bones, dey begin to ache. Just I just continue on living and trusting in de Lord 'cause de Practiced Book say, "Wherefore de evil days come and de darkness of de night depict nigh, your strength, it shall not perish. I will lift you up amongst dem what abides with me." Dat is de Gospel, Dominate." Many a slave was whipped for praying. The stop of the Ceremonious War brought a few years of respite simply then the Ku Klux started and basically the death threats and harassment have never concluded. Another neat quote; this from Andrew Moss, aged 85, "De white folks what owned slaves idea that when dey go to Sky de colored folks would exist dere to wait on 'em." At long last, if in that location is whatever justice to exist done that will not be happening. De white folk what thinks so volition all exist in Hell licking the Devil's arse. Ha! ...more

January 20, 2014 Brian Setzler rated it information technology was amazing

I didn't even now such a collection existed when I establish this book at the MLK, Jr. memorial in Atlanta.

This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in the subject of slavery. Virtually every 1 of the entries starts off with, "I was endemic by......"

This book is a collection of first-person slave narratives. Each entry is complete and unedited. Each person interviewed was built-in a slave and so was freed through emancipation.

The interviews were conducted during the Neat Depression equally a pro

I didn't even at present such a collection existed when I found this book at the MLK, Jr. memorial in Atlanta.

This book is an fantabulous read for anyone interested in the subject of slavery. Almost every one of the entries starts off with, "I was owned by......"

This book is a collection of first-person slave narratives. Each entry is consummate and unedited. Each person interviewed was born a slave and and then was freed through emancipation.

The interviews were conducted during the Not bad Depression as a project of the WPA. The living, once former slaves were 88 to well over 100 years of age when interviewed in person. The words are written in their dialect.

I highly recommend the book.

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Jan 23, 2016 Shawn G rated it really liked information technology

Exploring an important office of American history, this volume offers a look into what information technology was like to grow up in slavery. Each chapter starts fresh with a new mini-biography, collecting 34 in full. Each American featured had a unlike relationship with their owner, and took different paths after gaining freedom.

Although relatively short, it's not a book you'll likely be able to read through quickly. First, it'south patently tough emotionally at times. Second, it's hard to read too many short,

Exploring an important part of American history, this volume offers a look into what it was like to abound upward in slavery. Each chapter starts fresh with a new mini-biography, collecting 34 in full. Each American featured had a different human relationship with their owner, and took different paths afterward gaining freedom.

Although relatively short, it'south not a book you'll probable exist able to read through quickly. First, it'due south plainly tough emotionally at times. 2d, information technology's difficult to read too many short, unrelated chapters in one sitting.

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Aug 30, 2011 Maxine rated it liked it

Interesting Narratives from people in their 80s, 90's and fifty-fifty 100 who told of their life every bit slaves and gaining their freedom at the terminate of the Civil State of war. Most were teenagers are in their early on twenty's when they were given the opportunity to get out their masters are remain on the plantation. Not everyone jumped at the chance to go out to the unknown. I enjoyed the read and learned a lilliputian something most making life choices...they do not always come like shooting fish in a barrel. Interesting Narratives from people in their 80s, 90'southward and even 100 who told of their life as slaves and gaining their freedom at the end of the Civil War. Nearly were teenagers are in their early 20'south when they were given the opportunity to exit their masters are remain on the plantation. Not anybody jumped at the chance to leave to the unknown. I enjoyed the read and learned a piffling something about making life choices...they do not ever come up easy. ...more

May 11, 2019 Derek Davis rated it information technology was amazing

This Dover title is a small cross-section from the Slave Narrative Collection of 2,300 interviews of erstwhile slaves conducted by the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-38, part of the Works Progress Administration. The entire collection is available for free at https://www.loc.gov/collections/slave....
The value of this massive Collection is virtually beyond measure, not but for the immediacy of the interviews, but for its debunking of every stereotype any of us may concord about American slavery, no matte This Dover title is a modest cross-section from the Slave Narrative Collection of 2,300 interviews of onetime slaves conducted by the Federal Writers' Projection, 1936-38, part of the Works Progress Administration. The unabridged collection is available for gratuitous at https://www.loc.gov/collections/slave....
The value of this massive Collection is almost beyond measure, non only for the immediacy of the interviews, merely for its debunking of every stereotype any of us may concur nearly American slavery, no thing what our personal outlook. It was non a uniform institution, non a mirror of Gone with the Air current, not either a bed of unrelieved evil or of bland, simmering beneficence.
It included every course of homo emotion or social outlook, every type of behavior form the worst debasement to the highest amore, for both blacks and whites. It was human, in every way, skilful, bad or indifferent. Thank god information technology'due south gone and may nothing like information technology ever return, simply the impetus behind it remains. In all of us.
The mechanics of the Collection are amazing, the care taken to include every infection and nuance of speech, to reproduce personality equally fully equally could be done on paper. It'south oral history at its all-time. Equally astonishing is that so many souls in their 80s, 90s and across could be found, that late in fourth dimension, each with undimmed recollection of specific names, details, sequences of events.
As noted, at that place were about no universals involved, non in living weather, not in work, non in educational activity, non in back up after freedom. These are the only commonalities I constitute:
• ownership: whites endemic blacks, the overarching evil of the system
• passes: in every slave state, a black required a pass signed by his or her chief to travel anywhere outside the owner'southward plantation
• patrollers (near always chosen "patterollers"): whites who continually rode the highways in search of blacks without signed passes, whom they were gratuitous to harass, beat or impale; it's not clear how they were paid or by whom, but they seem mostly to have been sadistic flotsam who preyed on blacks as the simply ii-legged course they could consider lower than themselves
• speculators: afoot buyers and sellers of slaves who directly profited from their human misery
• cornbread: the primary staple of slave diets in every land
• the illusion of postal service-war freedom: total dependence had robbed almost all slaves of the sense of how to live their ain lives; some plant "gratis" existence worse than the planation
Two interviews that deserve special attention:
Millie Evans: Her description of dyes and other recipe, a "how-to" but stated.
Andrew Goodman: Recalls a "practiced master" who made Goodman his supervisor when he left for the war ...more

Mar 27, 2018 Seth Sharp rated it really liked it

When I was a Slave is a nonfiction book. I think that the theme or moral is even people from having a hard by can forgive. Even from the hatred of the whites and the mistreatment of the African race, people were still willing to forgive. The author mainly wants you to learn nearly the reality and agony of the the slaves personally.
Mainly people in the 1930's were suffering from the job cuts of the Neat Depression. People were out of work and needed some style of income to provide for their fami When I was a Slave is a nonfiction book. I think that the theme or moral is even people from having a hard by can forgive. Even from the hatred of the whites and the mistreatment of the African race, people were all the same willing to forgive. The author mainly wants you lot to larn most the reality and desperation of the the slaves personally.
Mainly people in the 1930'southward were suffering from the job cuts of the Smashing Depression. People were out of work and needed some mode of income to provide for their families and independent needs. Basically the writer sent out people to interview the remaining ex slaves and for them to requite their personal stories and opinions near their feel with slavery. This book contains all the stories and point of views of the slaves that are now free men. Some of the stories more than gruesome than others too.
There is no directed principal grapheme in When I Was a Slave, only some of the characters I have chosen was a woman. Ms.Reynolds went through a troubled past as he was taken from her parents and sold away at a immature age. Reynolds fifty-fifty through all the torture, beating, and pain; was willing to forgive the people that did him wrong. She was a kind, forgiving, and very intelligent woman. Someone else that I tin think of in today's earth that may not be around me only is affecting me is the Parkland shooting survivors. Like these kids today Reynolds had a voice, and whether information technology was forgiving or non both wanted to brand a change,
I'grand a historian and dearest things dealing with history and I think the volume was very entertaining. The book had some stories that were gruesome because they didn't like to "obey" but others listened just to survive. The memorable moments were when many basically had their lives on the line. I concord with the author that this book should be read because I call up even though all are dead, it would raise awareness that it actually is a trouble. The volume mainly raises the event of slavery and whether a person should be allowed to physically own someone else. This book related to me because I recollect it taught me I need to remember to forgive even when someone wrongs me in a large situation because hatred won't do anything good.
I pretty much felt every emotion in this book every bit I felt sad and mad sometimes at the aforementioned fourth dimension. My reactions were genuine particularly considering these were actual people. I wouldn't recommend the book to people unless they were history lovers. The average person would have to decode all of the discussion and lingo that slaves used. I say this because it is written the way the slaves talked. Too that I would definitely recommend it to history buffs that have an interest in slavery.
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Mar 03, 2019 Terry Tucker rated it information technology was astonishing

This volume was kickoff published in 1970 and reissued in 2000 and 2002. The 2002 event has an introduction past Norman R. Yetman.
The narratives for this book are from the Slave Narrative Collection, a group of autobiographical, commencement person accounts of chains and life by one-time slaves from 17 states. The original narrative collection is organized into a xix - book series which is located in the Rare Books Room of the Library of Congress. The original collection consists of more than two grand This volume was outset published in 1970 and reissued in 2000 and 2002. The 2002 upshot has an introduction by Norman R. Yetman.
The narratives for this book are from the Slave Narrative Collection, a grouping of autobiographical, first person accounts of bondage and life by old slaves from 17 states. The original narrative drove is organized into a xix - volume series which is located in the Rare Books Room of the Library of Congress. The original collection consists of more than two thousand interviews.
This book, and the vast collection, provide the most illuminating and insightful collective accounts of an historical population and period in time.
The book essays, 34 of them, are appalling in particular of how slaves were treated. Every bit 1 can imagine the treatment ran a wide spectrum from the nigh cruel to some that are intimate.
These narratives were collected and transcribed between 1936 and 1938. This means that these slaves were born circa 1846 to virtually 1851.
Some of the essays are what I would call politically correct, pregnant that, the person they interviewed was both subtle and restrained in the story they conveyed. In the 1930'south it was nevertheless very dangerous to speak with artlessness - for whatever person of color. Its no stretch that almost of these stories describe various degrees of separation of Django Unchained.
The story's are transcribed in two manners; in the slang and manner in which the person spoke and others in correct English language and, or corrected english, which was the work of those doing the transcribing. The dichotomy of the narratives in this regard is and then hitting that it is beyond words.
This is truly a must read book. ...more

Not sure how to charge per unit this. I'thou not sure how authentic the interviews were...what were the backgrounds of the people who did the interviewing. I feel that while at that place are elements of truth, the narratives take a lot of omissions and potentially personal biases. For case, if the unemployed writer was pro or anti slavery; or was a person whose family owned slaves. I feel a brighter light shown on the slave possessor.

I live in the south amongst many family members of quondam slaves. Their stories, in p

Not sure how to rate this. I'm not sure how accurate the interviews were...what were the backgrounds of the people who did the interviewing. I feel that while in that location are elements of truth, the narratives have a lot of omissions and potentially personal biases. For example, if the unemployed author was pro or anti slavery; or was a person whose family unit owned slaves. I feel a brighter light shown on the slave owner.

I live in the south amongst many family members of former slaves. Their stories, in item about the slave owners, practise non jive with these interviews. While the atrocities in these interviews certainly happened, they are glossed over and overshadowed past some feel-skilful statements that the Masa was a skilful homo...fifty-fifty though he ripped newborn babies from mothers, separated husbands and wives, family unit units torn autonomously, fed them gruel, didn't afford them skilful working wearing apparel, kept them from learning to read and write, lashed them -some to death, and on and on...they were skilful Masa'due south?

I digress.

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This volume is proficient to know the viewpoint of slaves during the time of slavery, civil war and across in America.
I have chosen some quotes from the book that shows some of the pain that Slaves had at that time.
"We were allowed to have prayer meetings in our homes and nosotros too went to the white folk'southward church building. Simply they would not teach any of usa to read and write." Mary Anderson.
"..... she whipped my little sister what was only nine months old, and just a infant, to death." Mary Armstrong.
" The gates wer This book is proficient to know the viewpoint of slaves during the time of slavery, civil war and beyond in America.
I have chosen some quotes from the book that shows some of the hurting that Slaves had at that time.
"We were allowed to take prayer meetings in our homes and we also went to the white folk's church. But they would not teach whatever of us to read and write." Mary Anderson.
"..... she whipped my niggling sis what was only ix months onetime, and simply a baby, to decease." Mary Armstrong.
" The gates were always locked and they was a guard on the exterior to shoot anyone who tried to run abroad." West. Fifty. Bost.
" I slept on the floor nine years, winter and summer, sick or well." Julia Brown.
"Slaves were never immune to talk to white people other than their masters or someone their maters knew, equally they were afraid the white man might accept the slave run away. The masters aimed to go along their slaves in ignorance and the ignorant slaves were all in favor of the Rebel army." Bill Simms. ...more

This volume is an abridgment (35 narratives) of a longer edited version (100 narratives) past the same writer of the narratives created from interviews conducted in the 1930s of people formerly enslaved in the American Southward. Since slavery ended in 1865, those interviewed were in most cases at least in their 80s and had been enslaved in babyhood or early machismo. Because of this, the narratives give simply a partial picture of the overall experience of enslavement. All that said, what is presented This volume is an abridgment (35 narratives) of a longer edited version (100 narratives) by the same author of the narratives created from interviews conducted in the 1930s of people formerly enslaved in the American Due south. Since slavery concluded in 1865, those interviewed were in most cases at least in their 80s and had been enslaved in childhood or early machismo. Because of this, the narratives give merely a partial picture of the overall experience of enslavement. All that said, what is presented is certainly wide-ranging and, in the master, certainly a relate of tragedy, family separation, cruelty, and the limitations of human potential imposed upon many millions of African Americans. It's important for us to exist enlightened of these experiences, since the later effects of the nation'due south 400-year history of enslaving Africans continues to reflect all too strongly our politics, economy, and culture today. ...more

Nov 12, 2020 Kristal rated it really liked it

Such an of import volume! I'chiliad and then glad so many people'southward experience of slavery in the U.s. was documented this style. I find the diverseness of experiences fascinating. Each person's story is dissimilar yet their are common threads in the foods eaten, the crops grown, the clothes worn, and the shelter given.

In almost every example the brutality of the slavery years was recognized. i or 2 people "miss the old days", but it seems those individuals had exceptional masters (for a lack of a better way to

Such an of import book! I'chiliad so glad so many people's experience of slavery in the United states of america was documented this manner. I find the variety of experiences fascinating. Each person's story is different yet their are common threads in the foods eaten, the crops grown, the clothes worn, and the shelter given.

In well-nigh every case the brutality of the slavery years was recognized. ane or 2 people "miss the old days", but it seems those individuals had exceptional masters (for a lack of a ameliorate way to put it). Withal, 1 person said that people who say they miss the old days may accept just been "trained" to do and then. Some people had absolutely vicious owners, who raped, beat, starved, under clothed, and overworked the enslaved people. I enslaver made his slave burry the body of someone he killed!!

This is the blazon of book where it's all-time to read a few stories each day.

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Aug 27, 2018 Leslie Salary rated it really liked it

Interesting narratives near the lives of slaves from the point of view of the slaves themselves. Virtually of the fourth dimension sad, agonizing, and infuriating. At other times, points out the strength of the homo spirit. The lives these people lived dorsum then covers a gamut. From those that were browbeaten daily for the nearly small-scale "offense" and/or having relatives sold never to be seen again to those who (aside from the institution itself)had an OK life. Though the stories get repetitive (understandably then), s Interesting narratives nigh the lives of slaves from the signal of view of the slaves themselves. Most of the time sad, disturbing, and infuriating. At other times, points out the strength of the human spirit. The lives these people lived dorsum and so covers a gamut. From those that were beaten daily for the most modest "offense" and/or having relatives sold never to exist seen again to those who (aside from the institution itself)had an OK life. Though the stories get repetitive (understandably so), still a worthwhile read. ...more

Existent homo experiences

To hear them talk an some of them still refer to themselves as property, they don't actually talk in by tense, they know they're free merely they're mind set is still enslaved, an the stories they tell are horrible just I feel its important that we remember our history an that includes they injustice.

Existent homo experiences

To hear them talk an some of them nonetheless refer to themselves as property, they don't really talk in past tense, they know they're free but they're mind ready is still enslaved, an the stories they tell are horrible only I experience its of import that we retrieve our history an that includes they injustice.

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A brilliant and brutally honest account of slavery in the USA.

We don't think of victims of such atrocities equally heroes simply these Americans were absolutely hero's. Faced with a hopeless situation they never gave up or lost faith in God. A difficult read but knowledge is worth it's weight in golden.

A brilliant and brutally honest account of slavery in the USA.

We don't think of victims of such atrocities as heroes simply these Americans were absolutely hero's. Faced with a hopeless situation they never gave up or lost religion in God. A hard read but cognition is worth information technology'due south weight in gold.

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Jul 20, 2017 Jaimee Cowart rated information technology really liked it

I read this for a history project and it was the most insightful matter I have ever read. The wealth of knowledge I attained from this book was immeasurable. 4stars because I don't want to read it over and over. I read this for a history project and it was the most insightful thing I have ever read. The wealth of knowledge I attained from this book was immeasurable. 4stars because I don't desire to read it over and over. ...more

Sep 13, 2019 Margaret Tuomi rated it really liked it

I found this book to be very interesting.
Although I have read many books about slavery, this taught me many things. It is a collection of interviews conducted 1936-39 with people who had themselves been slaves.

Sep 29, 2017 Pat Brune rated it information technology was amazing

This should be required reading in all U.Southward. schools. Perhaps more people volition grow up to abominate racism and hopefully many less people will aspire to bring together white supremacy, nut-job hate groups.

I'thousand speechless. All I can say is this book is so, and so important. I'chiliad speechless. All I can say is this book is so, so important. ...more

When I Was a Slave was an Amazing book. I loved how it had people over 100 who recall that fourth dimension. It is a skillful book and I hope people bask this book every bit much as I did.

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Ah leap, a time for fresh ancestry and fantastic reading. Fans of young developed stories are in particular luck this season, equally the next few...

"In that location never was an overseer on the whole plantation. The oldest colored man always looked later the niggers. We niggers lived amend than the niggers on the other plantations." — 0 likes

"Slaves were never allowed to talk to white people other than their masters or someone their masters knew, as they were afraid the white human might have the slave run away. The masters aimed to keep their slaves in ignorance and the ignorant slaves were all in favor of the Rebel regular army. Only the more intelligent were in favor of the Union ground forces." — 0 likes

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