Résumé de Histoire de Mary Prince, esclave des Antilles

À qui s’adresse-t-il ?

This book suits readers who love true voices from the past, first-hand witness, stories of courage and faith, and the history of the fight against slavery.

De quoi parle ce livre ?

At a market in Hamble Town, Bermuda, a girl of about twelve stands against a wall while strangers handle her like a calf. She is sold for fifty-seven pounds. Her two sisters are sold to other owners.

The History of Mary Prince tells how she survived and found her voice. Mary Prince was born enslaved in Bermuda, was sold again and again, worked in the salt ponds of Turk's Island, and was taken to Antigua and then to London. A friend wrote down her account, and it reached the English public in 1831, when the fight over slavery was loud and unfinished.

Questions about Histoire de Mary Prince, esclave des Antilles

What is The History of Mary Prince about?

It is the life story of an enslaved woman born in Bermuda. She describes her sale, her work in the salt ponds of Turk's Island, her years in Antigua, her marriage, and her time in London, where she asks for help.

Is The History of Mary Prince a true story?

Yes, it is a real autobiography. Mary Prince told her story aloud and a friend wrote it down. It was published in London in 1831, when the public argument over slavery was at its height.

Who are Mr. Wood and Mrs. Wood in the book?

They are the Antigua owners who buy Mary and take her to England. Their treatment of her, especially over washing in her illness, leads to her being driven out of their house in London.

Why did Mary Prince tell her story?

She wants English readers to know what slavery is, since she says few of them do. She asks them to help break the chains and to keep appealing until slavery ends.

Is The History of Mary Prince easy to read?

The book is short, told in a plain, direct voice, and arranged in the order of her life. Each scene is clear and concrete, so listeners can follow it easily from start to finish.