Richard Pierpoint or Captain Dick, as he was commonly known, emerges from the shadows of history in A Stolen Life: Searching for Richard Pierpoint. An African warrior who was captured at about age 16, Pierpoint lived his remaining years in exile. From his birth in Bundu (now part of Senegal) around 1744 until his death in rural Ontario in 1837, Pierpoint’s life allows us to glimpse the activity of an African involved in some of the world’s great events. "We are indebted to the authors for breathing life into this man, who though taken from his home early in his life still was able to make a significant contribution to the early history of Upper Canada. He fought, farmed and became a giant to the Black community. We thank you for a wonderful story of this often forgotten segment of Canadian history." — Wilma Morrison, Norval Johnson Heritage Library, Niagara Falls "Everybody knows about the Underground Railroad and the great many Black souls who emigrated to Canada via this route, but very few people know the brave Black men and women who put their lives on the line in defence of this country." — Ivor Christopher, Re-enactor, Runchey’s Company of Coloured Men "A well-researched and highly readable chronicle of Richard Pierpoint’s life in Africa and North America — as a slave, a soldier, and as a pioneer in Upper Canada’s wilderness. ... a vitally important contribution to Canadian Black history." — Linda Brown-Kubisch, Author, Missouri
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David Meyler, Peter Meyler
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A Stolen Life
by David Meyler, Peter Meyler
Books Like A Stolen Life
If you're looking for books similar to A Stolen Life, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Narrative of Frederick Douglass
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An iconic autobiography detailing Douglass's journey from slavery to becoming a prominent abolitionist leader. The narrative demonstrates extraordinary personal courage and intellectual resistance against oppression. Douglass's story resonates with Pierpoint's themes of survival and transformation.
Twelve Years a Slave
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A true account of a free Black man kidnapped and sold into slavery, who ultimately regains his freedom. Northup's narrative reveals the brutal realities of slavery and the extraordinary strength required to survive. The book shares Pierpoint's themes of survival and eventual liberation.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano
A powerful autobiography of an African slave who purchased his freedom and became a prominent abolitionist. Equiano's story parallels Pierpoint's journey from Africa to forced servitude and eventual liberation. The book provides a deeply personal account of the slave experience, highlighting resilience and the quest for human dignity.
The Warmth of Other Suns
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A powerful narrative of the Great Migration, exploring African Americans' journeys and quests for freedom. While set in a different historical period, the book shares themes of displacement, resilience, and the search for opportunity. It illuminates the ongoing struggle for dignity and self-determination.
The Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead
A powerful novel that reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean train system. While fictional, it captures the struggle for freedom and resilience of Black individuals seeking escape from slavery. The narrative resonates with themes of survival and hope found in Pierpoint's life story.
The Book of Negroes
Lawrence Hill
A historical novel following an African woman's journey through slavery and eventual settlement in Nova Scotia. The book explores themes of displacement, identity, and resilience similar to Pierpoint's experiences. It provides a nuanced look at Black Canadian history and the struggle for dignity.
The Half-Has Never Been Told
Edward E. Baptist
A groundbreaking historical analysis of slavery's central role in American economic development. The book provides deep insights into the systemic oppression experienced by enslaved individuals. It offers critical context for understanding experiences like Pierpoint's.
Black Loyalists: The Search for a Promised Land
James W. St. G. Walker
A comprehensive historical account of Black soldiers who fought for the British during the American Revolution, similar to Pierpoint's military service. The book explores the experiences of African Americans seeking freedom and opportunity in Canada. It provides crucial context for understanding the challenges faced by Black settlers in early Canadian history.
From Slavery to Freedom
John Hope Franklin
A comprehensive historical overview of African American history from the colonial period to the modern era. The book provides deep historical context for understanding the experiences of individuals like Richard Pierpoint. It explores themes of resistance, survival, and gradual progress.
Bound for Canaan
Fergus Bordewich
A comprehensive history of the Underground Railroad, exploring the network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The book highlights individual stories of courage and resistance. It provides historical context similar to Pierpoint's journey of survival and liberation.
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Harriet Jacobs
A groundbreaking slave narrative that reveals the unique challenges faced by enslaved women. Jacobs' autobiography demonstrates extraordinary courage and determination in the face of oppression. Her story shares Pierpoint's themes of survival, resistance, and the pursuit of freedom.
Black Against Empire
Joshua Bloom
An analytical study of the Black Panther Party and Black liberation movements. While focused on a different historical period, the book explores themes of resistance, community organization, and the fight for human rights. It provides insights into ongoing struggles for dignity and equality.
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