Angelina Grimke: Voice of Abolition

Angelina Gimke, Voice of Abolition is a wonderful biography. The biography follows Angelina from childhood, through her adult years, and ends with her death. This biography gives an interesting view on slavery, as Angelina grew up in the south. The book was very interesting because the life of Angelina was so different than most abolitionists. Angelina's life took unexpected turns throughout the story. It was also interesting because Angelina had to overcome many struggles. The life of Angelina is very different from other abolitionists. Angelina Gimke was born in 1850, to southern, slave holding parents. She was the youngest of fourteen children. Her father owned multiple large plantations and he was a prosperous judge. Angelina's older sister and godmother, Sarah Gimke was like a second mother to Angelina. Sarah did not believe in slavery, and raised her younger sister to do the same. Angelina's life took many unexpected turns. Sarah converted religion and became Quaker. Sarah was now living in Philadelphia. Soon after Sarah's move it was time for Angelina to be confirmed, to this she refused. Angelina converted to Presbyterian and was very involved in the church. However Angelina didn't believe in slavery and felt she must act, event though the minister warned against it. Sarah came back from Philadelphia for a visit, she was very involved in her Quaker faith and Angelina was intrigued. Angelina began attending Quaker meetings and dressed plainly. Angelina felt that the meetings were lacking, as she was one of only three attending. Soon Angelina joined Sarah in Philadelphia. Angelina Gimke's life is very inspiring; she had many troubles to overcome. Angelina was a woman, and it was unacceptable for any women to speak in public. This Angelina overcame; she and Sarah traveled and spoke out against slavery. The sisters didn't have very much money and had trouble finding places to stay. On top of all that the Quakers condemned some of the sisters' actions, because of this the sisters left the Quaker faith. They still believed in many of the same ideals though. The sisters continued to speak out against slavery. Angelina falls in love, and marries Theodore Weld, also an abolitionist. Sarah moves in with the newly weeds. The sisters don't speak in public again for a long time. The family moves to a farm, the upkeep is very tough and Theodore is left doing much of the work. Angelina has three children and this makes money very tight. Theodore and Angelina had borrowed a lot of money from Sarah, and felt they needed to pay her back. Sarah moves out. The sisters stop fighting and she moves, further north, with the Welds when the Civil war begins. The north wins the civil war and slavery is abolished. Women still aren't allowed to vote so the Gimke sisters lead a march to the polls and cast their "votes" in a fake ballot box, the votes weren't counted, but the sisters had taken an important step in women's suffrage. Sarah passes away, and Angeli

Angelina Grimke is a truly great and powerful woman. Her courage and strength are wonderfully portrayed in this delightful book. The historical record is presented in an exciting format. Too often we believe that there is little we can do to make the world better. The injustice which Angelina Grimke took on threatened the nation. The soul of the American future was at stake. The story of Angelina Grimke renews our faith in the power of the human spirit. She was a remarkable woman. Ellen Todras provides readers, both young and old, with a gripping account of her life and her struggles. The best book I've read in a long time.