First published 2012
In this powerful collection, Frederick Douglass recounts his harrowing experiences as a slave, from brutal whippings to his daring escape to freedom. With searing honesty, Douglass exposes the dehumanizing realities of the institution, challenging readers to confront the moral rot at the heart of America. But his words also radiate hope, as Douglass emerges as a towering figure of resilience and self-determination, his unbreakable spirit a testament to the human capacity for dignity and justice.
Genres: biography, civil-war, american, african-american, autobiography, biography-memoir, 19th-century, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: resilience, self-determination
Period: 19th Century
282 pages · Hardcover · Cornell University Press
Content warnings: abuse, slavery, violence