All That She Carried

All That She Carried by Tiya Miles is a profound intergenerational tale of love, survival, and resilience. Set in the 1850s in South Carolina, the story begins with Rose, an enslaved woman who faces the heartbreaking reality of her daughter Ashley's imminent sale. In a desperate bid to provide comfort and a connection to their shared past, Rose packs a cotton bag with a few precious items for Ashley. Shortly thereafter, the nine-year-old girl is separated from her mother and sold, marking the beginning of a poignant family saga.

Decades later, Ashley's granddaughter, Ruth, embroiders this family history onto the very sack that once held Rose's parting gifts. Through spare and haunting language, Ruth captures the essence of their shared lineage, an enduring testament of love and hope amidst the harshest of circumstances.

This book transcends its initial narrative to explore deeper questions about the lives of enslaved women, who were often viewed merely as property in their time. Harvard historian Tiya Miles meticulously unearths their faint but powerful presence in archival records. Where traditional archives fall short, she creatively turns to objects, art, and the natural environment to construct a unique history of slavery and the uncertain freedoms that followed.

By blending rigorous academic research with a deeply moving narrative, All That She Carried offers readers a poignant glimpse into history as it was lived. It is a story of resilience, love, and the unbroken spirit of generations defying insurmountable odds.

LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION
NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER ~ NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ~ WINNER OF THE CUNDILL HISTORY PRIZE
LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024

"An astonishing account of love, resilience and survival" - Sunday Times
"A remarkable book" - New York Times
"An extraordinary tale through the generations" - Guardian

All That She Carried is more than just a historical account; it is a narrative of the human spirit's power to endure and the legacies of love that bind families together through time. Tiya Miles's eloquent prose and meticulous scholarship make this a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of history, memory, and inheritance.