True story — Henry Louis Gates, Jr. was lying in bed recovering from hip surgery and perusing a catalogue of items up for sale at an auction. He came across one item which struck his fancy. The doctor had ordered him to stay in bed, so he sent a colleague to the auction to place a bid for him. He received a true treasure several days later, the narrative of a slave who successfully escaped from bondage in North Carolina and ended up in New Jersey. The author, Hannah Crafts, could not only read and write, but she wrote in the style of Louisa May Alcott and Dickens.
Henry was stunned this manuscript had never been published. He gives several theories why it had never been published. My own theory was Hannah became a preacher’s wife. Perhaps the women of the church would disapprove of her making a spectacle of herself. It is a true treasure on many levels and I hope you will read it.
3 out of 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Anne Egger, Library Services
