Narrative of Sojourner Truth
Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart
Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth
Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in New York in 1797. That state passed a law freeing all slaves 40 years and older 1817. Everyone younger than 40, which included Isabella, were to be emancipated ten years later.
Isabella endured many hardships and cruelty during part of that time. Her mother raised her to have faith and to pray to God before she was sold away from her parents at nine. She spoke Dutch only as a young child and didn’t understand English, which made it impossible to understand the new owners. Isabella endured many hardships and cruelty after her separations from her parents just a few miles away.
She wasn’t allowed to marry a man from a neighboring home. Her husband was much older and she had children with him. After her emancipation, Isabella parted from him.
This her story in her words, as dictated to Olive Gilbert, after Isabella changed her name to Sojourner Truth. Sojourner became an inspiring speaker, sharing her faith as well as advocating for black freedom, women’s rights, and temperance.
A powerful story about a powerful woman. Her story held my attention from page one.
Definitely recommend!
