In the latter part of this book after Mary Prince’s narrative was completed, the author shared and went into a comprehensive analysis about a letter written by John A. Wood; who was the former owner of Mary Prince during her time in slavery. Throughout the letter Mr. Wood put forth numerous contentions towards Prince during the span of her stay on his property. In one instance, he inculpated her for being unfaithful to her husband and often being caught sneaking out past her given curfew. Woods divulged that “…and prohibiting her going out after 10 to 12 o’clock (our bed-time) without special leave. This she considered the greatest, and indeed the only, grievance she ever complained of, and all my efforts could not prevent it. In hopes of inducing her to be steady to her husband…”  It is quite lucid the extent Woods went to intently convey malice and contempt.  It would easily be assumed that this was mainly due to Mary wanting freedom, but it is quite daunting to realzie how far a human being can go to prevent someone’s entitlement.

Woods constant denying of any wrongdoing or falsifying of Mary towards the ending of the narrative, indubitably exhibits his character, but also reveals how the truth always seems to emerge.  It was satisfying to read that Mr. Phillips actually wrote beneficial things that portrayed Mary in a positive light, heavily limiting the veracity of Woods remarks.  This in itself is essential to not only Mary’s story, but the story of all slaves and those who have ever been enslaved in general.  It is absolutely astonishing to sit back and think of how cruel the human race can actually be.  Although it is painless to think, read, or hear about reprehensible acts, such as slavery, to actually experience such inhumane acts in one form or another is a completely different story.