Hannah CraftsThe Bondwoman's Narrative

Embedded in this work is the actual fictional narrative by Hannah Crofts, a slave. It is purported to be the first fiction written by an enslaved person prior to the Emancipation, using literary devices popular at the time (the 1850's) in gothic and romantic tales. The latter third of the book has much reference material, analyzing and comparing similarities and borrowings from Dickens (Bleak House), the Bible, Rob Roy and other works the author may have had access to in her master's library. It would have been helpful to have the Table of Contents at the front of the volume to give a hint as to the length of some of the preface material and appendices. The introductory information was a bit long winded, repetitive and self congratulatory. Nonetheless, it is obvious that this literary finding, a handwritten autobiographical tale, is a tremendous historical chance finding and well worth the in depth analysis of ink, paper, handwriting, sources, genealogy, research into some of the possible characters' true identities and other validating factors. Because of all the additional material, this is a great stand alone study of a must read for those investigating African American history. The narrative itself is beautifully and intelligently written with great story flow, characterization, suspense, pathos, and a satisfying ending. Blessings to the soul of the original writer and to Professor Gates for bringing this to us!

The book came quickly and was in great shape.

This book may have great value as a historical document, however, I evaluate it from the 'fun to read' point of view. I did not find it a greatly enjoyable read. It is written in the old novel style- "Perils of Pauline" comes to mind. Neither did I find that I learned much about it was like to live like a slave during that time. I am now reading a historical novel in which there are a few pages describing a slave market in the USA during the Revolution; which gave me a much clearer picture than Bondwoman's Narrative did. The description of how the field hands lived left me wishing to read more about that, and in fact, I felt I did not even get a good picture of how the house servants lived. There was quite a bit of philosophizing during the entire book so the author came across as an intellectual. In this respect, her comments about the death of a fellow runaway slave towards the end of the novel were very interesting to me.

I read a lot of books. I force myself to read a lot of 'difficult' books.In picking up this book, I had expected to find a tolerably written piece of history. Instead, I have found a beautifully written personal testament that surpasses most things that today pass for high literature. I would compare her to a female Cormac McCarthy, except that McCarthy engages in endless verbiage regarding things he has little knowledge of while Ms Crafts is writing from personal experience.Some of her writing is breathtakingly, hauntingly sublime. The only lapses are where she enters into descriptive narrative that seems to serve only to link more important passages and observations.I have not enjoyed a book this much in nearly a decade. Dickens seems boring by comparison.It seems patronizing to say this is a book by a slave when her spirit and ability soar high above any form of earthly captivity.

This writing is a dramatic and valuable discovery. The Bondwoman's Narrative begins by explaining how the original manuscript was found and authenticated. Knowing the history of the document and the author make the reading much more valuable as the document's author provides greater understanding about the interaction between the slave and the slave owner in the South. It also verifies the human desire for self-determination and freedom from indenture. I found the narrative to be a document that enlightens the reader as well as sparks deep emotion.

I saw Professor Gates on Charlie Rose, and immediately ordered a copy of this book. The story challenges the stereotypes of slaves and masters during those terrible times--all slaves weren't "yes, massah" creatures and all masters/mistresses weren't whip-bearing monsters (although the image of the old nursemaid and her dog hanging in the linden tree is impossible to get out of your head--truth or fiction). The overwhelming sensation of the inhumanity of slavery--no matter how kind the master--hangs over the story, and the yearning to be free is so great, you can't help but be relieved that the story has a happy ending. Seeing her careful self-editing and reading about her thimble-pressed correction papers and homemade bookbinding made reading this book very sweet--this lady deserves to be recognized and published! Thank you Professor Gates and all the other people who preserved this work.

I am reading this just after seeing the movie "12 years a slave." The language is almost identical. It is moving and very interesting to read. I am equally impressed that even living through that most difficult period in history, Hannah Crafts faith in God never wavered. The preface written by Henry Louis Gates was very long and thought out. I was curious to figure out why it was so extensive, but after reading through it, I realized how important it was for him to explain the whole authentication process. I can see how people would be inclined to challenge his findings, but after the thorough research he did, I have no questions about the validity of this wonderful book.

Very interesting and a look at slavery through the eyes of an escaped slave. Believed to be a semi-autobiographical fiction written by a house slave with access to her master's library. Recently, a scholar has identified the writer as a different woman than previously thought to be Jane Johnson and written about in this book's introduction (New York Times October 2013). He claims that the author is Hannah Bond, a slave on a North Carolina plantation owned by John Hill Wheeler. (The scholar, as identified in Julie Bosman's article, is Gregg Hecimovich, Winthrop Univ. in Rock Hill, S.C.)

Excellent book that really gives an insight into the life experience of the black Americans before emancipation.It is a haunting question to which extent it is autobiographical - I guess it will never be known.I disagree with the preamble's statement that the author uses coincidence far too much. Unlikely coincidence occurs a few times, but it didn't strike me as way overdone. In any case, real life often outdoes anything anyone can make up. I think her sense of plot is very good. I was impressed with the ending - so terse. I shall not spoil anything for the next reader, but the ending surprised me by its suddenness and it struck me as strangely convincing that she felt no need for further details at that point.She is also said to have borrowed Gothic elements. This may be so; but African, and much black American culture is imbued with spirits and attendant fear. If she has borrowed this, I think it is well worked in. Clearly she has borrowed from other books.The book was sent in only a plastic wrapper and turned up damaged. It has clearly been dropped on its way. Books really need a padded envelope or a thick, stiff, cardboard envelope. I haven't complained about it, as I didn't care enough, but I will buy form other suppliers in the future.

The five stars given were for the importance of the subject matter, the book is good and very easy to read but the ending is incredibly swift and sudden. Nevertheless I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it. Would recommend to anyone as a good book on two great subjects (slavery/feminism). Of course it is so much more than that but those are the two things that stand out.

Very quick delivery and state of this second hand book is excellent- I do not think that it has been read before.

As expected.