Harriet Jacobs (1813–1897), author, abolitionist, and one of the few formerly enslaved women to publish a first-person narrative. Harriet Jacobs lived a brutal and extraordinary life. Her story is appalling, sad, fascinating and inspiring all at once. Harriett’s life is all about the hardships of being a female piece of property. She writes intentionally in a women’s voice, highlighting gender issues. She hoped to appeal to free white women, to help them understand the a