The Bondwoman's Narrative

By: Hannah Crafts

Narrated by: Anna Deavere Smith

Thought to be the first novel written by a Black female slave in the 1850's, this work is both a historically important literary event and a gripping autobiographical story.

When her master is betrothed to a woman who conceals a tragic secret, Hannah Crafts, a young slave on a wealthy North Carolina plantation, runs away in a bid for her freedom up North. Pursued by slave hunters, imprisoned by a mysterious and cruel captor, held by sympathetic strangers, and forced to serve a demanding new mistress, she finally makes her way to freedom in New Jersey. Her compelling story provides a fascinating view of American life in the mid-1800s and the literary conventions of the time.

The Bondswoman's Narrative is a provocative literary landmark and a significant historical event that will captivate audiences.

Includes an updated preface adding additional context about the author's incredible life.

Unique listen

I appreciate listening to this story uniquely written by a formerly enslaved woman. The verification info from the man who purchased & published the manuscript is fascinating! What an accomplishment for Hannah Craft to write this! It is in the sentimental style of its time, but nonetheless a treasure from a woman who likely fought hard to be in the position to write this.

The Bondswoman’s Narrative

I loved this. Hannah’s strength, perseverance and her beliefs surpassed the misfortunes she faced and she was rewarded with a wonderful life filled with love. My only wish was all the enslaved peoples had a similar end.

Excellent! Very well done!

Excellent performance of a very important work. It does at times seem a bit sensational, but still very well done. I'm grateful to Dr. Gates for bringing this book to light. Bravo!

Captivating!!!!

This book was amazing on so many levels. I loved the story, the way it was written, and the narrator. Hannah Crafts story was haunting as it showed this woman's journey through the ups and downs of "a slave's life". She was definitely one who lived under the rules of enslavement, but she was never a slave. I will be sharing this narrative with my children.

Insight into the thoughts, challenges and successes in the life of a woman who had been born a slave in the 1850s United States.

After the end of the story, and after the interview with Dr. Henry Lewis Gates, Jr., it is basically stated that any resemblance to real people is by coincidence. In fact, as Dr. Gates noted, many of the people and incidents in the story were based on real people and events. It is confusing that Audible deemed it necessary to state otherwise.
I should admit that I first listened to “Finding Hannah Crafts” which I consider a companion novel and well worth listening to. By listening to it first, it made me much more willing to get through the use of arcane language.
Overall, I found both books fascinating.