The Bondwoman's Narrative - by Hannah Crafts (Paperback)

About the Book

The "New York Times" bestseller that is possibly the first novel written by an African-American woman is now in trade paperback. "Immensely entertaining and illuminating."--"New York Times Book Review."

Book Synopsis

Possibly the first novel written by a black woman slave, this work is both a historically important literary event and a gripping autobiographical story in its own right, now with an updated preface adding additional context about the author's incredible life. When her master is betrothed to a woman who conceals a tragic secret, Hannah Crafts, a young slave on a wealthy North Carolina plantation, runs away in a bid for her freedom up North. Pursued by slave hunters, imprisoned by a mysterious and cruel captor, held by sympathetic strangers, and forced to serve a demanding new mistress, she finally makes her way to freedom in New Jersey. Her compelling story provides a fascinating view of American life in the mid-1800s and the literary conventions of the time. Written in the 1850's by a runaway slave, THE BONDSWOMAN'S NARRATIVE is a provocative literary landmark and a significant historical event that will captivate a diverse audience.

About the Author

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., lives in Massachusetts and is also a regular contributor to The New Yorker.