Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

Incidents in the Life of a Slave girl, an American history book (223 pgs) by Harriet Jacobs, is a true and breath taking story about a Harriet Jacobs herself. Harriet was born into slavery in 1813 and never got to truly be a child for the fact that she served her owners by the age of six years old. Harriet's father was a carpenter, a well respected man who always attempted to purchase his children but no matter how much he would offer, he never succeeded. Though Harriet was a slave she never felt that she was because of the safe keeping of her parents.

It wasn't until Harriet's mother, Delilah, died that she learned she was indeed a slave. Harriet was only six years old and was sent to live with her mother's Mistress, Margret Horniblow. Margret was raised by Harriet's grandmother and was like a foster sister to Delilah. They grew up together and before Delilah's passing Margret promised her that she would make sure that her children were taken care of after her death.

Harriet enjoyed living with her mistress very much. She was never forced to do harsh work and was always more than happy to served mistress Horniblow. She loved to work for her and be around her and when the mistress felt that Harriet was tired, she would permit her to run and play. But when Harriet was just twelve years old, her mistress became ill and died. Because Harriet had loved her mistress the burden was losing her was immense; she was like a mother to her. Harriet knew she would never have such a kind mistress like Margret again. She was sent to live with her grandmother for a week while they found her a knew master.

Harriet was sold to Dr. Flint. She prepared herself for an unhappy life but what her new master does to her is something she certainly could't be prepared to face. Dr. flint sexually abuses Harriet and later taunts her when she falls in love with a freed colored man; teasing her by telling her she will nver be sold to her lover and she will never get to be happy and raise a family. Her lover attempts a few times to purchase her but Dr. Flint won't allow it claiming that Harriet is his property but that property of his young daughter and he has no right to sell her. Having had enough Harriet escapes and goes into hiding with her grandmother.

I really liked this book. There are certain chapters in this book that touch you emotionally; they make you angry, sad, and somtimes happy. Jacobs really allowed for me to visualize what she went through it was almost like a movie in my mind. I really enjoyed it and I recommend to anyone who loves reading emotional books. =]