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The Narrative of Sojourner Truth Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,569 ratings

From slavery to liberation to life as an abolitionist, feminist, orator, and preacher—the autobiography of a woman who refused to be anything but free.
 
Born into slavery in New York around 1797, then sold from master to master, Sojourner Truth spent her formative years witnessing the cruelty inherent in the institution of slavery. Escaping to a friendly household before emancipation, she learned that her young son had been sold illegally and launched a lawsuit that would end with his release—the first time in America that a black woman went to court against a white man and won.
 
But Truth hadn’t even begun her work. She made it her life’s mission to free all those who were considered less than equal—both those in chains and those held down because of their gender—ultimately inspiring her friends and followers with the legendary speech that came to be known as “Ain’t I a Woman?” So great was Truth’s renown and respect that she met with President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. She was later named one of the 100 Most Significant Americans of All Time by
Smithsonian magazine.
 
Published in 1850,
The Narrative of Sojourner Truth was spoken aloud to Truth’s friend and neighbor Olive Gilbert, as she herself was illiterate. Along with The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, it remains one of the most moving and eloquent slave narratives—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
 
This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Truth's narrative is a powerful rendering of bondage, denial, and loss transcended by genius, family, and a spiritual base. It juxtaposes spirituality with moral turpitude. Truth was a freethinker who lived within a family of wretched circumstances in New York's Ulster County; she was a wife whose runaway husband had been beated into submission; a mother who reclaimed her only son from a brutal Georgia slaver; a person of principles who was duped by slavers and false prophets; and, finally, at 46, an orator, abolitionist, and member of the Northampton utopian community. As a companion to Truth's narrative, Washington presents a cogent, well-crafted introduction full of historical information that sketches a framework for understanding slavery as it was practiced in the Northeast. This slender book belongs in all literature and history collections.
- Veronica Mitchell, New York City Board of Education
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The time is long overdue for a compelling look at the legendary Sojourner Truth. Margaret Washington deserves our gratitude for reclaiming Truth and shedding light on the most enigmatic black woman of the 19th century."

-- Darlene Clark Hine, Professor of History, Michigan State University

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B074T7P932
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media (September 12, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3797 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 107 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,569 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,569 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the insightful narrative that provides a glimpse into Sojourner Truth's life. The character is described as remarkable, courageous, and a hero of the faith. Readers praise the book for its honesty and integrity. Opinions differ on the heartbreaking story - some find it sad and thought-provoking, while others mention it made them weep.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

120 customers mention "Readability"102 positive18 negative

Customers find the book interesting and well-written. They describe it as an enjoyable, quick read that provides useful information and sources. Readers appreciate the author's engrossing story and consider it a valuable addition to their home library.

"...The book is beautifully written by a white friend who knew her well, for the purpose of raising money to help support her in her old age...." Read more

"...This is a short read, but was not a quick one by any means...." Read more

"Even though the style of Writing is rudimentary, it is a must read...." Read more

"...Sojourner is tough, faithful, and brilliant...." Read more

101 customers mention "Insight"95 positive6 negative

Customers find the book provides an interesting look into the life of a northern slave. They find the story compelling and uplifting, with great information and sources. Readers appreciate the spiritual strength and tenacity of Sojourner Truth.

"...This is a very personal eye witness account of the experience of an enslaved woman and it reminded me of Bertolome de las Casas - which was the..." Read more

"...Sojourner's heart is bursting with wisdom, compassion and, at times, astonishing humility and benevolence that stir the heart and soul of the reader...." Read more

"...Sojourner had tremendous courage and determination and is an inspiration. I plan to get a copy for my grandchildren (the teens) too...." Read more

"...Truth's story is compelling,, leaving the reader wanting to learn more about her...." Read more

49 customers mention "Narrative quality"49 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative compelling and interesting. They say it provides an insightful view of slavery and her thoughts and feelings. The book takes readers on a painfully truthful journey with Isabella Baumfree. It explains how her life was shaped and what was important to her. However, some readers feel the story is told out of order at times.

"...Her story was incredibly moving and she accomplished much in her lifetime, I did not know she was the first enslaved person to sue a white man in..." Read more

"...vivid account of a woman full of courage, determination and faith battling to survive in the horrendous institution of slavery and racial oppression..." Read more

"What a sad, yet uplifting, story of Sojourner Truth's life. And let us not forget these words of the narrator who wrote this book:..." Read more

"...I really enjoyed reading the Narrative of Sojourner Truth for the first time. I already passed on my copy to share this incredible story." Read more

48 customers mention "Character"48 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy learning about the character of Sojourner Truth. They describe her as remarkable, courageous, and interesting. The book reveals the life of a great African-American woman who was not afraid to fight for human rights.

"This is an amazingly vivid account of a woman full of courage, determination and faith battling to survive in the horrendous institution of slavery..." Read more

"...Sojourner had tremendous courage and determination and is an inspiration. I plan to get a copy for my grandchildren (the teens) too...." Read more

"...But her character shines through. Sojourner is tough, faithful, and brilliant...." Read more

"...Additionally, Sojourner was a very religious woman, and spirituality plays a necessary and immediate role in this book, as it did in the lives of..." Read more

8 customers mention "Sturdiness"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness. They find it honest and smart, with integrity. The book arrived in good condition.

"...The book arrived in very good condition. This is a book that all should read." Read more

"...But her character shines through. Sojourner is tough, faithful, and brilliant...." Read more

"This book arrived in excellent condition and has a beautiful cover. I really enjoyed reading the Narrative of Sojourner Truth for the first time...." Read more

"...woman, so many facets to her: she is spiritual, psychic, strong-willed, strong hearted, intelligent, compassionate, a true role model for our time...." Read more

12 customers mention "Heartbreaking story"8 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the book's story. Some find it heartbreaking, inspiring, and brutal. Others say it makes them weep and is painful to read at times.

"What a sad, yet uplifting, story of Sojourner Truth's life. And let us not forget these words of the narrator who wrote this book:..." Read more

"There were several chapters that made me weep, and this does not happen often for me. (The only other book to do this was The Bluest Eye.)..." Read more

"...And, her story is both brutal and inspiring...." Read more

"Love her story. Breaks my heart and lifts it up at the same time. I will definitely be recommending it to others...." Read more

Terrific Book. A story that should be better known. I appreciated the large font size
5 out of 5 stars
Terrific Book. A story that should be better known. I appreciated the large font size
I cannot believe it took me 50 years to read Truth's Narrative. Her story was incredibly moving and she accomplished much in her lifetime, I did not know she was the first enslaved person to sue a white man in court, and win!Through this book, I got a sense, somewhat, of what it must have been like to have been an enslaved person. It was shocking to understand from Sojourner Truth's perspective how families were torn apart and sold and re-sold across different generations - and the same generation. This is a very personal eye witness account of the experience of an enslaved woman and it reminded me of Bertolome de las Casas - which was the first eye-witness account of slavery that I have read. The cruelty of the slave owners towards her while she was child, and a young mother, was shocking.As my eyesight is not great, I REALLY appreciated the large font size. It made reading her Narrative much easier!The book arrived in very good condition.This is a book that all should read.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
    I cannot believe it took me 50 years to read Truth's Narrative. Her story was incredibly moving and she accomplished much in her lifetime, I did not know she was the first enslaved person to sue a white man in court, and win!

    Through this book, I got a sense, somewhat, of what it must have been like to have been an enslaved person. It was shocking to understand from Sojourner Truth's perspective how families were torn apart and sold and re-sold across different generations - and the same generation. This is a very personal eye witness account of the experience of an enslaved woman and it reminded me of Bertolome de las Casas - which was the first eye-witness account of slavery that I have read. The cruelty of the slave owners towards her while she was child, and a young mother, was shocking.

    As my eyesight is not great, I REALLY appreciated the large font size. It made reading her Narrative much easier!

    The book arrived in very good condition.

    This is a book that all should read.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book. A story that should be better known. I appreciated the large font size
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
    I cannot believe it took me 50 years to read Truth's Narrative. Her story was incredibly moving and she accomplished much in her lifetime, I did not know she was the first enslaved person to sue a white man in court, and win!

    Through this book, I got a sense, somewhat, of what it must have been like to have been an enslaved person. It was shocking to understand from Sojourner Truth's perspective how families were torn apart and sold and re-sold across different generations - and the same generation. This is a very personal eye witness account of the experience of an enslaved woman and it reminded me of Bertolome de las Casas - which was the first eye-witness account of slavery that I have read. The cruelty of the slave owners towards her while she was child, and a young mother, was shocking.

    As my eyesight is not great, I REALLY appreciated the large font size. It made reading her Narrative much easier!

    The book arrived in very good condition.

    This is a book that all should read.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
    This is an amazingly vivid account of a woman full of courage, determination and faith battling to survive in the horrendous institution of slavery and racial oppression in the U.S. Sojourner Truth is a testament to the power of one and to what the human spirit is capable of overcoming. The various atrocities of slavery are so carefully relayed throughout the book and bring to reality this dark yet integral chapter in American history. Sojourner's heart is bursting with wisdom, compassion and, at times, astonishing humility and benevolence that stir the heart and soul of the reader. She inspires hope and goodwill, in spite of the brutality and inhuman circumstances in which she is submerged. The book is beautifully written by a white friend who knew her well, for the purpose of raising money to help support her in her old age. For historical learning or simply for inspiration, I highly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
    This is a story that all Americans should read. Slavery and the Civil War is discussed in society and in the classroom, so why not provide a book for young people that includes the perspective of a person who lived and was treated as a slave, instead of always talking ABOUT slavery?

    Sojourner had tremendous courage and determination and is an inspiration.
    I plan to get a copy for my grandchildren (the teens) too.

    I am very happy I took the time to read this book. I had picked up another copy some years ago but I never read it because once I opened it the print was too small (lol!) but I did not have a problem reading this version.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021
    There were several chapters that made me weep, and this does not happen often for me. (The only other book to do this was The Bluest Eye.) I have read other books about slavery to learn more about what my ancestors went through, but Sojourner’s book resonated with me like no other. Slavery is always even worse than I think it is, and she tells of horrors that made me shake. But her description of Jesus gave me chills, and as a preacher myself, deeply inspired me. Sojourner Truth is more than a legendary historical figure here in America, she is a legend in the faith as well. This is a short read, but was not a quick one by any means. I took it a chapter at a time so as not to get overwhelmed by sadness, and I am really glad I read it.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2018
    Even though the style of Writing is rudimentary, it is a must read. It gives a first-hand account of a northern slave whose trust in God carried her throughout her life. Truth's story is compelling,, leaving the reader wanting to learn more about her. In fact, I wish there was a recording of her speaking and singing.
    I would recommend this book to be read along with Harriet Tubman's to give one another point of view of slavery in America.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2018
    What a sad, yet uplifting, story of Sojourner Truth's life. And let us not forget these words of the narrator who wrote this book:

    "O the 'fantastic tricks' which the American people are 'playing before high Heaven!' O their profane use of the sacred name of Liberty! O their impious appeal to the God of the oppressed, for his divine benediction while they are making merchandise of his image! Do they not blush? Nay, they glory in their shame! Once a year they take special pains to exhibit themselves to the world in all their republican deformity and Christian barbarity, insanely supposing that they thus excite the envy, admiration and applause of mankind. The nations are looking at the dreadful spectacle with disgust and amazement. However sunken and degraded they may be, they are too elevated, too virtuous, too humane to be guilty of such conduct. Their voice is heard, saying–'Americans! we hear your boasts of liberty, your shouts of independence, your declarations of hostility to every form of tyranny, your assertions that all men are created free and equal, and endowed by their Creator with an inalienable right to liberty, the merry peal of your bells, and the deafening roar of your artillery; but, mingling with all these, and rising above them all, we also hear the clanking of chains! the shrieks and wailings of millions of your own countrymen, whom you wickedly hold in a state of slavery as much more frightful than the oppression which your fathers resisted unto blood, as the tortures of the Inquisition surpass the stings of an insect!"
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm glad I took the time to read this
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2018
    What a sad, yet uplifting, story of Sojourner Truth's life. And let us not forget these words of the narrator who wrote this book:

    "O the 'fantastic tricks' which the American people are 'playing before high Heaven!' O their profane use of the sacred name of Liberty! O their impious appeal to the God of the oppressed, for his divine benediction while they are making merchandise of his image! Do they not blush? Nay, they glory in their shame! Once a year they take special pains to exhibit themselves to the world in all their republican deformity and Christian barbarity, insanely supposing that they thus excite the envy, admiration and applause of mankind. The nations are looking at the dreadful spectacle with disgust and amazement. However sunken and degraded they may be, they are too elevated, too virtuous, too humane to be guilty of such conduct. Their voice is heard, saying–'Americans! we hear your boasts of liberty, your shouts of independence, your declarations of hostility to every form of tyranny, your assertions that all men are created free and equal, and endowed by their Creator with an inalienable right to liberty, the merry peal of your bells, and the deafening roar of your artillery; but, mingling with all these, and rising above them all, we also hear the clanking of chains! the shrieks and wailings of millions of your own countrymen, whom you wickedly hold in a state of slavery as much more frightful than the oppression which your fathers resisted unto blood, as the tortures of the Inquisition surpass the stings of an insect!"
    Images in this review
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    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Flavie F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
    Reviewed in France on August 1, 2023
    Sojourner is very inspiring.
  • Petra Fischbäck
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein beeindruckendes Zeitzeugendokument
    Reviewed in Germany on September 3, 2019
    Sojourner Truth war zu Beginn ihres Lebens selbst Sklavin, erlangte dann die Freiheit, weil sie in den Nordstaaten lebte, wo die Sklaverei früher abgeschafft wurde als in den Südstaaten.

    Gegen Ende ihres Lebens konzentriert sie sich darauf, ihren Glauben zu verbreiten, daher auch der neue Name, den sie sich selbst gegeben hat: Sojourner Truth.

    Das Buch spielt im 19. Jahrhundert. Aber im Vergleich zu den anderen Büchern aus dieser Zeit, die ich bisher gelesen habe, liest sich dieses Buch relativ leicht. Kurze Kapitel, klare Sprache, kein endloses Geschwafel.

    Wenn Sie sich für das Thema interessieren, empfehle ich dieses Buch. Außerdem "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (nein, das ist KEIN Kinderbuch) und "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl".
  • George McNeish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on November 16, 2017
    It is amazing what this lady did. Very courageous.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2018
    Amazing to hear the voice of such an inspiring woman!
  • Justice Recompence
    4.0 out of 5 stars loved it history and faith
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2015
    loved it history and faith ; the book was read by my teenage student and was also enjoyed by her ..the story of slavery as seen through the eyes of this very great woman was not just historical facts but her hopes dreams and rise fromthe ashes was well relayed ..yes

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