Louisiana Slave Recollections

Bill Ellzey's column in today's HoumaToday features an excerpt of Octavia Albert's book, The House of Bondage, which was originally published in 1891. The book centers on Albert's conversations with former slaves, including Charlotte Brooks, who recalls many incredible experiences as a slave in Louisiana in late 19th century.

“It was in the fall of 1879 that I met Charlotte Brooks. Brooks had been brought from Virginia and sold to a Louisiana plantation owner years before the Civil War. I have spent hours with her listening to her telling of her sad life of bondage in the cane-fields of Louisiana. She was always willing to speak of ‘old master and mistress.’ ”

The book opens:
"None but those who resided in the South during the time of slavery can realize the terrible punishments that were visited upon the slaves. Virtue and self-respect were denied them."

You can find the book available for sale on Amazon.com