45 pages • 1 hour read
All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake
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Book Brief
416
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 19th century
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles traces the story of three generations of women linked by an antique cotton sack embroidered with their tale: Rose, who packed it with essentials for her daughter Ashley sold away into slavery; Ashley, who received it; and Ruth, Ashley's granddaughter, who embroidered their story in 1921, highlighting their resilience through enslavement, emancipation, and beyond. The book addresses the horrific experiences of violence and trauma endured by enslaved individuals.
Informative
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
8,270 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles has garnered praise for its meticulous research and powerful narrative that interweaves history with personal stories. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and the spotlight it casts on African American heritage. However, some have noted that the dense historical context can occasionally overshadow individual stories. Overall, it’s a poignant and enlightening read.
Who Should Read All That She Carried?
Readers who appreciate richly detailed historical narratives with a focus on African American women's experiences will find All That She Carried by Tiya Miles compelling. Comparable to The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, it appeals to those who are drawn to in-depth explorations of personal histories within a broader sociocultural context.
8,270 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 19th century
2021
Adult
18+ years
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