Our Nig; Or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-story White House, North / Showing That Slavery’s Shadows Fall Even There
“Our Nig; Or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-story White House, North / Showing That Slavery’s Shadows Fall Even There” by Harriet E. Wilson is considered the first novel published by an African American woman in the United States. The book explores the life of a free black girl in 19th-century America and highlights the pervasive impact of slavery and racial discrimination, even in the Northern states.
About This Ebook
This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of “Mag,” a free black girl living in New England, who faces abuse and mistreatment at the hands of a white family despite her status as a free person. Through its narrative, the book sheds light on the harsh realities of race and class in 19th-century America, illustrating how the legacy of slavery affected all aspects of society, including those regions where slavery was not legally practiced. Rediscovered in the 1980s, “Our Nig” has since become a significant work in the study of African American literature and history, offering valuable insights into the experiences of marginalized individuals during this period.