All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake

I found this book both enlightening and shocking. It wasn't an easy read and I found it difficult to complete as there was little or no light relief. However, it was very well written and researched and I'm sure will be of great interest to many.

A powerful read which tells the probable history of the matriarchal line of a black slave family and the artifact which was handed down through the generations. The author tries to piece together the family history, given the not inconsiderable constraints of there being so little in the way of primary sources, nevertheless the book enlightens and educates the reader in this historical period and brings a new perspective into the power of women's influence of not only the passing on of history, but the uniquely motherly ways in which such history can be conveyed. Somewhat repetitive, but clearly deeply researched and deserving of the attention it has acclaimed. A fictionalised version would make a brilliant film. Generated deep conversation in my book club.

Very well written academic analysis of a specific historical object, commemorating a matrilineal connection to slave holding South Carolina. Lots of literary and historical references throughout.

The discovery of the history of the sack that was passed through generations, and of the possible women who owned it, is an intriguing way to illuminate the lives of black women held in slavery. Investigating the history of the sack provides rich detail about the multiple ways in which black women were oppressed, while at the same time representing their struggle to maintain their humanity and love and support each other.