Slave: My True Story
Mende Nazer, Damien Lewis
Language: English
Pages: 368
ISBN: 1586483188
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Mende was sold to a wealthy Arab family who lived in Sudan's capital city, Khartoum. So began her dark years of enslavement. Her Arab owners called her "Yebit," or "black slave." She called them "master." She was subjected to appalling physical, sexual, and mental abuse. She slept in a shed and ate the family leftovers like a dog. She had no rights, no freedom, and no life of her own.
Normally, Mende's story never would have come to light. But seven years after she was seized and sold into slavery, she was sent to work for another master—a diplomat working in the United Kingdom. In London, she managed to make contact with other Sudanese, who took pity on her. In September 2000, she made a dramatic break for freedom.
Slave is a story almost beyond belief. It depicts the strength and dignity of the Nuba tribe. It recounts the savage way in which the Nuba and their ancient culture are being destroyed by a secret modern-day trade in slaves. Most of all, it is a remarkable testimony to one young woman's unbreakable spirit and tremendous courage.
make a signal and we’ll all jump. And then we’ll make a run for it.” At first, the girls were scared. But I explained that this might be our only chance. So, we stood up in the back of the truck, looking out for our chance to escape. But there was very little traffic, and we drove through the town at high speed. When the Arab man did have to slow down, he was careful not to stop the truck completely. And then, Ashcuana caught sight of his eyes watching us closely in his rear-view mirror.
Nuba Mountains.” “I’m also from the Nuba,” she exclaimed. “Which tribe are you from?” “I’m from the Karko.” “I’ve not heard of the Karko. But it’s enough that you’re Nuba, and I’m Nuba too.” Asha hugged me tightly for a few minutes. For the first time since the raid, I felt an adult treat me with real human kindness again, and my heart filled with warmth. “How long have you been here for, Auntie?” I asked, looking up at her. “For over twenty years.” “Over twenty years! But where are your
flashing angrily. “Why are you hitting her? Your children are in the front room, playing with your sister’s kids. I’ve just seen them. What are you hitting her for?” “This is none of your business,” Rahab snapped. “So don’t you dare interfere.” “Oh no? Well, I’m making it my business,” Jaimaea replied defiantly, and without a hint of fear. “If she’s your servant, then she works for you. But that’s all. It doesn’t give you the right to hit her.” Rahab looked around her. All the serving girls
‘I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know.’” I was told to wait for five minutes. Then the English man handed me a letter. “Take this away with you,” he said with a smile. “We’re going to need some more answers. And then I’m afraid you’re going to have to come back again.” “Is this my permission to travel?” I asked. “No, I’m afraid it isn’t. Not yet,” the Arab man said. “The English man says he’s never heard anyone say ‘I don’t know’ so many times before!” I joined in their laughter, as it
toilet,” Fatima replied, with a reassuring smile. Eventually, I couldn’t hold on anymore. So I walked slowly up the aisle holding onto the seat backs as I did so and joined the line for the toilet. When my turn came, I opened the door and poked my head around to take a look inside. Then I put one leg inside and gingerly tested the floor. “Hey, do you need the toilet or not?” I heard a male voice behind me say impatiently. “Yes, I do,” I retorted. Once I was inside, I was surprised to see that