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The Narrative of Sojourner Truth Kindle Edition
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.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherOpen Road Media
- Publication dateSeptember 12, 2017
- File size3797 KB
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
- Veronica Mitchell, New York City Board of Education
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
-- Darlene Clark Hine, Professor of History, Michigan State University
From the Publisher
From the Inside Flap
In this new edition, which has been edited and extensively annotated by the distinguished scholar and biographer of Sojourner Truth, Margaret Washington, Truth's testimony takes on added dimensions: as a lens into the little-known world of northern slavery; as a chronicle of spiritual conversion; and as an inspiring account of a black woman striving for personal and political empowerment.
From the Back Cover
In this new edition, which has been edited and extensively annotated by the distinguished scholar and biographer of Sojourner Truth, Margaret Washington, Truth's testimony takes on added dimensions: as a lens into the little-known world of northern slavery; as a chronicle of spiritual conversion; and as an inspiring account of a black woman striving for personal and political empowerment.
About the Author
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
- Best Sellers Rank: #744,258 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #285 in Biographies of Social Activists
- #1,031 in Social Activist Biographies
- #1,240 in Cultural & Regional Biographies (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
N Lenaure Batista is an award-winning arts educator and performing artist. She started writing songs and stories at age 5. As a child, her most memorable moments in school and at home included learning and performing rhythm, poetry, music and dance. The singer/dancer/choreographer has performed in the US and abroad, and has graced all the grand stages of her beloved New York City. Lenaure also spread her love of the performing arts in classrooms, working as an arts educator, teaching music, dance and creative writing in various programs in NYC and abroad to students ages 2 through adult. Through Lenaure's lifelong love of the arts and literature, this adorable and zany little character named Silly Celly was created.
Celly is a very smart and whimsical girl with a great attitude that gets her through the ups and downs of everyday life. The entire story has a rhythm to help kids not only expand their vocabulary and reading ability but also to encourage and teach them to tell a story with timing and musicality. Silly Celly ~ A Story In Rhyme is the first in a series of many Silly Celly stories to come.
N Lenaure Batista has also written adult non-fiction, coffee table books, a few historical biographies, and is currently working on her first adult fiction and the next three Silly Celly stories.
Imani Perry is the Henry A. Morss, Jr. and Elisabeth W. Morss Professor of Studies of Women, Gender and Sexuality and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University and the Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor at Harvard Radcliffe Institute. She previously served as the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a faculty associate with the Programs in Law and Public Affairs, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Jazz Studies. Perry is a 2023 MacArthur Fellow and received the 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction for South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation. She is also the author of Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, which received the Pen Bograd-Weld Award for Biography, The Phi Beta Kappa Christian Gauss Award for outstanding work in literary scholarship, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction and the Shilts-Grahn Award for nonfiction from the Publishing Triangle. Looking for Lorraine was also named a 2018 notable book by the New York Times, and an a honor book by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. It was a finalist for the African American Intellectual History Society Paul Murray Book Prize. Her book May We Forever Stand: A History of the Black National Anthem, winner of the 2019 American Studies Association John Hope Franklin Book Award for the best book in American Studies, the Hurston Wright Award for Nonfiction, and finalist for an NAACP Image Award in Nonfiction. Her 2019 book, Breathe: A Letter to My Sons (Beacon Press, 2019) which was a finalist for the 2020 Chautauqua Prize and a finalist for the NAACP Image Award for Excellence in Nonfiction.
Perry is a scholar of law, literary and cultural studies, and an author of creative nonfiction. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies from Harvard University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an LLM from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA from Yale College in Literature and American Studies. Her writing and scholarship primarily focuses on the history of Black thought, art, and imagination crafted in response to, and resistance against, the social, political and legal realities of domination in the West. She seeks to understand the processes of retrenchment after moments of social progress, and how freedom dreams are nevertheless sustained. Her book: Vexy Thing: On Gender and Liberation (Duke University Press 2018) is a work of critical theory that contends with the formation of modern patriarchy at the dawn of capitalism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the age of conquest, and traces it through to the contemporary hypermedia neoliberal age. Her book More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of Racial Inequality in the United States (NYU Press, 2011) is an examination of contemporary practices of racial inequality that are sustained and extended through a broad matrix of cultural habits despite formal declarations of racial equality.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reviews with images
Terrific Book. A story that should be better known. I appreciated the large font size
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023I 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Book. A story that should be better known. I appreciated the large font sizeI 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!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
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 - Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013This 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023This 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021There 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2018Even 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, 2018What 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!"
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm glad I took the time to read thisWhat a sad, yet uplifting, story of Sojourner Truth's life. And let us not forget these words of the narrator who wrote this book:
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2018
"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
Top reviews from other countries
- Flavie F.Reviewed in France on August 1, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
Sojourner is very inspiring.
-
Petra FischbäckReviewed in Germany on September 3, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein beeindruckendes Zeitzeugendokument
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 McNeishReviewed in Canada on November 16, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
It is amazing what this lady did. Very courageous.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful story
Amazing to hear the voice of such an inspiring woman!
- Justice RecompenceReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars loved it history and faith
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