Customer Reviews

Narrative of Sojourner Truth (Dover Thrift Editions)

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Some people look on accounts of slavery as being only for black Americans to read. This is untrue. The horror and evil of slavery is something that every American should confront. This is not to hang or condemn anyone. Its just to say that a book like The Narrative of Sojourner Truth is something that everyone should read. I was at times stunned by Sojourner Truths startling courage in the face of the evil she faced. It was also enlightening to read about the slavery of the Northern states like New York and that so many people in that region still spoke Dutch even well into the 19th Century. I was infuriated reading about the treatment of the slaves but I also was inspired by Sojourner Truths dignity and strength. Much like the Nazi holocaust, slavery is a horror that must never be allowed to happen again. If everyone read books like this, we would be one step closer to making that a reality.

I can never tire of learning the depts of suffering black woman had to endure. It gives me even more pride for my people and much hope for a better tomorrow.

In a world that still suffers from the blight of slavery, mainly in Islamic nations and northern Africa, and Sudan, but also through the sex trade in nations like Thailand, this book is a great nonfiction account, especially for grade and middle schoolers, but also for all who think slavery is a thing of the past.

Anyday, anywhere, this book: "The Narrative of Sojourner Truth", is a masterpiece. The hardship she endured, as well as other horrors of slavery will always live in our memories. Afterall, it is said that: 'The evil that men do lives after them'. Sojourner's courage and perseverance is commendable. There is a lot to learn from her.
I strain to keep myself from laughing each time a serious issue like Slavery is raised, and I see men and women do nothing but run for cover. The North accuses the South of having been too tenacious on slavery, and the South accuses the North of hypocrisy, insisting that she (the North), started it in the first place: by disguising the first slaves whom she brought (in 1619) to New Amsterdam (the present day New York) as "indentured servants".
Surely, the guilty are afraid and ashamed; but that changes nothing. Reality will always remain reality. This 138-paged book is a fantastic history memo. It is the real truth; from Sojourner Truth.

This book was in great condition when I received it just as the description stated. I purchased this book for my English literature class.

The positive is that I received the book very quickly. The only negative is that the book is a small, thin copy as if it is designed more for a teenager then for an adult. I thought this book would be a great addition on my bookshelf at home. Since I prefer a more extensive account about Sojourner truth's life I will continue to look for a book that suits my preferences.

Are you looking to find inspiration within a real story of actual events and accomplishments? Look no further, this biography will intrigue your inner leader and immerse you into a time when not every one was granted the same rights we all have today. Just a few years ripe of the great Civil Rights Era, Sojourner Truth fought against all odds. Even after having her own children taken away, and physically being beaten by her slave masters, Sojourner not only fought for equality, but she fought for her own life.

Unlike other leadership development books out on the market today, Sojourner Truth does not tell you how to be a great, influential leader, she leads by example. One of the greatest lessons I have take away from this book is that no matter how big or small your goal, it can be achieved. It is also very important to remember that just because your view is the popular one, that doesn't mean it's the right one. This can easily be applied to leadership styles in today's world. Mainly, a key lesson given in this narrative is to not be afraid to stand out! And that is what Sojourner Truth, among many other abolitionists, lived by.

After reading this book, you will, no doubt, be empowered to go after your goals, even your highest dreams. It may take a little work and persistence, but a little elbow grease never hurt anyone. The era of slavery and abolition shall never be forgotten, and thanks to women like Olive Gilbert, we can forever have the envisions of civil rights activists preserved.

I was excited to read the narrative until I received it. The book I read was less than 80 pages for one, which is supposed to be the original workings just republished, and for two I felt it did not have the voice of Mrs. Sojourner Truth. I have read other workings from her like the great speech "Ar'n't I a Woman". This speech, although delivered in slave tongue and broken English, is one of the most revered poems of all times. I was saddened when I opened the book and began to read the words of a white woman detailing what Sojourner had "told" her. I thought I was going to be reading something straight from Sojourner herself, something authentic and I found myself trying to decipher between the author Olive Gilbert voice and Sojourner herself. I did enjoy learning more about her life and journey into becoming Sojourner because for a long time I thought she was given that name at birth. This is a good book for beginner readers or individuals that want to get an account of slavery but in small doses working their way up to the more detailed however I wouldn't recommend this if you are trying to get a full understanding of what her and other slaves went through. It just seemed too "white washed" meaning the woman wanted to take most of the truly horrific out in order to somewhat preserve the integrity of her race.I will read some of the other editions that have much more contect and see if those are a better representation of her true voice or not.

The narrative of this story was interesting and brought a perspective about the Civil War and the abolition of which I was unaware. Written in the first person, the story is compelling.

So often we find out how important a piece of text written hundreds of years ago can change the way the human species views the world as well as themselves. The Narrative of Sojourner Truth is such a novel. Not only does it show the harshness of human error, it also illuminates the strength and compassion that exists within all of us . I now realize how iggnorant I actually was before reading this novel. I had no idea that cruelty to slaves was so prominant in the northern part of the U.S during the early 1800s. The reader can feel the raw emotion radiating off this extraordinary women who faught so hard for racial and sexual equality. Sojouner(or Isabella) is so commited, she even fasted for three days just to improve herself spiritually. It is acts like this as well as the numerous occasions where she seeks to help others that will leave the reader in awe. I would suggest this book to any body interested in America's history and anybody who is looking for a little inspiration in their lives. This narrative is part of America's young yet vast history and should never be forgotten.