Broken Shackles: Old Man Henson From Slavery to Freedom

by Peter Meyler (Editor), Glenelg

In 1889, Broken Shackles was published in Toronto under the pseudonym of Glenelg. This very unique book, containing the recollections of a resident of Owen Sound, Ontario, an African American known as Old Man Henson, was one of the very few books that documented the journey to Canada from the perspective of a person of African descent. Now, over 112 years later, a new edition of Broken Shackles is available. Henson was a great storyteller and the spark of life shines through as he describes the horrors of slavery and his goal of escaping its tenacious hold. His times as a slave in Maryland, his refuge in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and his ultimate freedom in Canada are vividly depicted through his remembrances. The stories of Henson's family, friends and enemies will both amuse and shock the readers of Broken Old Man Henson From Slavery to Freedom. It is interesting to discover that his observations of life's struggles and triumphs are as relevant today as they were in his time.

Genres: History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[George Kasnic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you could sit with someone born enslaved in the late 1700’s in Maryland, had been sold multiple times, escaped to freedom in Pennsylvania, fled to New Jersey after being identified by a former owner, upon the passage of the fugitive slave act took the Underground Railroad Canada and starts a new life, again. Imagine you could hear what life was like daily for an enslaved person, what evading slave chasers was like, the constant threat of kidnapping as a freedman, and the sweetness of freedom in Canada. This is primary source history, Mr Frost immortalized Mr Henson’s stories in the late 1800’s and this reprint takes you through his life.

[ShayD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very much enjoyed book no. I was really excited to find a book at my local thrift store that talked about slavery from a Canadian point of view. I feel that a lot of times people assume that slavery was an American thing and not something that ever occurred in Canada, but this is not true. This book is very touching and very informative. It's unfortunate that not a lot of people know about this book but I hope that maybe that will change.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised there are no reviews for this book. Old Man Henson's life story is truly amazing. I hope others get the opportunity to read it.