42 pages 1 hour read

Mary Prince

The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1830

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The History of Mary Prince recounts the life of Mary Prince, a Black woman subjected to enslavement in the Caribbean before ultimately finding some measure of freedom in England. Published in 1831, the book is structured into four sections: a preface by abolitionist Thomas Pringle, Prince's oral autobiography transcribed by Susanna Strickland Moodie, a supplement by Pringle detailing his efforts to secure Prince's permanent freedom, and the "Narrative of Asa-Asa," an account of another formerly enslaved individual.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The History of Mary Prince by Mary Prince offers a compelling narrative detailing the brutality of slavery from a firsthand perspective. Readers praise its raw, heartfelt portrayal of personal suffering and resilience. However, some critique its limited scope and contextual information. Overall, it's an eye-opening autobiography essential for understanding the human impact of slavery.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The History of Mary Prince?

Readers interested in firsthand accounts of slavery, social justice, and early African American literature would find The History of Mary Prince compelling. Comparable to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this autobiography offers critical insights into the brutal realities of enslavement and the quest for freedom.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Identity: Race

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Society: Colonialism

Topics

Race / Racism

History: European

Education

Genre

Education

Classic Fiction

Biography