Lizzie's Story: A Slave Family's Journey to Freedom

by Clarice Boswell

The story is true in its setting and period in history. Some of the names are fictional, but the events, dates and places are documented through family archives consisting of an 1876 family Bible, letters, and numerous pictures dating back to 1850. In this book, the author describes the trials and tribulations of a slave family struggling to stay together through the most difficult times in America. The story is written for all ages with a focus on the daily struggle of a slave family seeking to be free.

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Dana K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slavery accounts are so important. Understanding our country's history and the human rights atrocities that occurred are so important. We must understand history so that we don't repeat it.

Dr Clarice Boswell provides us with a short account of her family's history from her great-great-grandparent's abduction from Africa to the slave market onto a plantation in Kentucky and through the Civil War after which her great grandparents were freed and lived as share croppers. Her grandmother Lizzie, the child of the plantation owner was able to obtain some education and gave birth to 8 children who were all born free and many went on to college.

The story is written simply with not much flourish but conveys the hardships and fears the family endured. It is an important piece of history and worth a read if you're if you're interested in learning more about the generational impact of slavery.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting true story of a family. The ancestors were brought to the United States and sold into slavery. The facts of each generation explained their ups and downs. The best part to this reader is the first-hand confirmation of “quilt codes” used to help slaves escape to freedom.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, probably written for middle school children.
Very interesting, presents the slaves view.

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and fast read. Lizzie and her family went through a lot and had a lot of children. Make sure you read the epilogue… you don’t want to miss the surprise at the end.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serious and sad, but not gut wrenching. An amazing slave family story. How they arrived in America, how they lived and how rose above and out of slavery.