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A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa, but Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself

By Venture Smith

(3.5 stars) • 10 reviews

A former slave recounts his life story, from his birth in Africa to his enslavement in the United States, and his ultimate journey to freedom, highlighting the cruel treatment of slaves and the harsh realities of life in bondage.

Genres
Released
2003-11-01
Formats
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Summary

A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa, but Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself is a memoir written by Venture Smith, a former slave who was born in Africa and spent most of his life in the United States. The book is an account of his life, from his birth in Guinea to his experiences as a slave in the United States, and eventually, his journey to freedom. The narrative provides a unique perspective on the life of a slave and the struggles they faced during the 18th century. Throughout the book, Venture recounts his experiences with various masters, his struggles to maintain his dignity and autonomy, and his ultimate quest for freedom. The memoir also highlights the cruel treatment of slaves, the injustices they faced, and the harsh realities of life in bondage. The narrative is written in a straightforward and introspective style, with Venture reflecting on his life and the events that shaped him. He recounts his childhood in Africa, his capture and enslavement, and his experiences on various plantations in the United States. The book also explores themes of identity, culture, and the struggle for freedom, as Venture navigates the complexities of slavery and racism in America. Through his story, Venture provides a powerful and moving account of the slave experience, highlighting the resilience and determination of enslaved people in the face of unimaginable hardship.

About the Author

Venture Smith was an African-American farmer and craftsman. Smith was kidnapped when he was six and a half years old in West Africa and was taken to Anomabo on the Gold Coast to be sold into slavery. As an adult, he purchased his freedom and that of his family. He documented his life in A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa: But Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself. This autobiography is one of the earliest known examples of an autobiographical narrative in an entirely African American literary vericas, only about a dozen left behind first-hand accounts of their experiences.

Average Rating
4.0
Aggregate review score sourced from Goodreads
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Total Reviews
10.0k
Total reviews from Goodreads may change