Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Genre: Nonfiction
Blurb (on back of book):
Born a slave circa1818 (slaves weren't told when they were born) on a plantation in Maryland, Douglass taught himself to read and write. In 1845, seven years after escaping to the North, he published Narrative, the first of three autobiographies. This book calmly but dramatically recounts the horrors and the accomplishments of his early years—the daily, casual brutality of the white masters; his painful efforts to educate himself; his decision to find freedom or die; and his harrowing but successful escape.
An astonishing orator and a skillful writer, Douglass became a newspaper editor, a political activist, and an eloquent spokesperson for the civil rights of African Americans. He lived through the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the beginning of segregation. He was celebrated internationally as the leading black intellectual of his day, and his story still resonates in ours.
MY OPINION: *****
I read this book for my English class and ended up really enjoying it. I obviously had heard of it before but I'd never gotten around to actually reading it, so I'm glad that I had this opportunity to force me to read it because I'm not sure if I ever would have otherwise. This is one of those books that are hard to properly review because of how complex and world-changing this narrative was, but I'll try my best.
It's a very powerful story told from the perspective of Frederick Douglass, a former enslaved person who taught himself how to read and write despite the fact that this was technically prohibited during slavery. The writing is very beautiful and it's incredible that he was completely self-taught in his education.
Frederick Douglass was clearly a very determined and intelligent person. He spent every waking moment of his spare time teaching himself how to read and write because he knew that his master would not have so vehemently opposed it for a reason. This whole book felt like a series of unfortunate events, with tragic episodes and harrowing accounts of the trauma he went through in his life under the disgusting inhumane system of slavery.
I found it intriguing to read from Douglass's perspective, especially after having just finished Olaudah Equiano's similar report of his life. Douglass does not seem to be filled with the bitterness and hatred you would expect someone newly freed from such a despicable institution to have. Instead, he seemed almost neutral in his descriptions about everything he went through, which I found particularly surprising. He is a very dignified and respectful man even when describing his worst abusers.
As a history major, though I'm not particularly concerned with American history, the institution of slavery was so worldwide and universal that it is impossible to ignore no matter what area of history you are studying. To this day, people feel its effects and it has permanently stained this country and so many others with how horrific it really was. Every time I learn something new about it, I feel more and more disgusted with this country and everyone involved with such a despicable institution.
I'd highly recommend reading this book, no matter who you are. It's short and simple but remarkably powerful and meaningful in ways that you can only imagine. Please take the time out of your day to read it.
Main Character: Frederick Douglass
Sidekick(s): N/A
Villain(s): Slavery
Nonfiction Elements: This is an autobiographical description of Frederick Douglass's life.
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