To Free a Family

Discover the inspiring story of Mary Walker in "To Free a Family," authored by Sydney Nathans and published by Harvard University Press in 2013. This captivating biography unfolds the struggles and triumphs of Mary, who escaped her enslavement in August 1848, seeking refuge in the North. Over the next seventeen years, she tirelessly fought to reunite with her children, faced with the heavy burdens of remorse and fear. With 360 pages filled with rich historical detail, Nathans sheds light on the sacrifices made by countless fugitive slaves in their quest for freedom. This essential read not only highlights the resilience of African American women but also explores the broader implications of family reunification in the dark shadows of slavery. A must-have for anyone interested in American history, women's studies, or the enduring fight for justice.