Reader be assured this narrative is no fiction. I am aware that some of my adventures may seem incredible; but they are, nevertheless, strictly true. I have not exaggerated the wrongs inflicted by Slavery; on the contrary, my descriptions fall far short of the facts. I have concealed the names of places, and given persons fictitious names. I had no motive for secrecy on my own account, but I deemed it kind and considerate towards others to pursue this course. I wish I were more competent to the task I have undertaken. But I trust my readers will excuse deficiencies in consideration of circumstances. I was born and reared in Slavery; and I remained in a Slave State twenty-seven years. Since I have been at the North, it has been necessary for me to work diligently for my own support, and the education of my children. This has not left me much leisure to make up for the loss of early opportunities to improve myself; and it has compelled me to write these pages at irregular intervals, whenever I could snatch an hour from household duties.

好色な医師フリントの奴隷となった美少女、リンダ。卑劣な虐待に苦しむ彼女は決意した。自由を掴むため、他の白人男性の子を身篭ることを―。奴隷制の真実を知的な文章で綴った本書は、小説と誤認され一度は忘れ去られる。しかし126年後、実話と証明されるやいなや米国でベストセラーに。人間の残虐性に不屈の精神で抗い続け、現代を遙かに凌ぐ“格差”の闇を打ち破った究極の魂の物語。