55 pages • 1 hour read
To Be a Slave
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Book Brief
160
Biography • Nonfiction
Southern United States • 19th Century
1968
Middle grade
12+ years
1040L
Super Short Summary
To Be a Slave by Julius Lester, published in 1968, presents a historical account of enslavement in the United States through compiled slave narratives and the author's commentary. Written amid the civil rights movement, Lester aims to give voice to enslaved people, balancing a narrative dominated by white historians. The book chronicles the brutal realities of enslaved life, resistance, and the ongoing oppression after abolition. The book contains sensitive topics, including racial slurs and graphic depictions of physical and emotional trauma experienced by enslaved people.
Informative
Mysterious
Emotional
Unnerving
Dark
Reviews & Readership
3,307 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
To Be a Slave by Julius Lester is a powerful, evocative account of the experiences of enslaved Africans in America. Praised for its vivid narrative and authentic voices, the book effectively conveys the harsh realities of slavery. However, some readers find the content distressing. Overall, it is a significant educational resource on American history.
Who Should Read To Be a Slave?
A reader who would enjoy To Be a Slave by Julius Lester is likely interested in first-person historical narratives and the African American experience. They may also appreciate works like Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and Roots by Alex Haley, which similarly delve into the harrowing realities of slavery.
3,307 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
160
Biography • Nonfiction
Southern United States • 19th Century
1968
Middle grade
12+ years
1040L
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