The Diary of My Life in 1756, by Olaudah Equiano

The Diary of My Life in 1756, by: Olaudah Equiano

Dear Diary

Today was another interesting day. My friends and I went to our traditional tree to look out, yet another day, for kidnappers. To my surprise, I found some! It was up to me to alert the neighbor kids so that they could capture the man before our parents returned home. These foreign men were always trying to come over and steal us, most of the time we were able to group together to fight them off.

Dear Diary

It has finally happened, one of the most dreadful days of my life. My sister and I have both been seized by two men and a woman. They climbed right over our wall and took us before we could even begin to understand what was happening. They think they are so smart but they have no idea that I have been tracking the way they walk. I have been watching the way the sun rises and sets to know how to find my way home. My sister is so scared; it is extremely hard to calm her down when I myself am terrified about the outcome here. I am hiding this diary in hopes that I may put information on how to escape and return to my hometown.

Dear Diary

Just as I thought things couldn't get any worse, they did. My sister has been torn from me; I have no idea where they have taken her. It has been days and I have not eaten anything except for what was forced. I can't believe all the things that are happening. It seems as if I am being sold quite frequently to others. As of now I am with a chieftain. They have all been nice but I am still continuing on with my plans to leave here and return home.

Dear Diary

Well, my escape plan failed. I was able to escape to the woods but later that evening I realized I could never make the long journey alone in the woods with no food or water.

When they finally found me the next morning sleeping in the barn I thought for sure I was going to be beaten within an inch of my life. I was utterly amazed when they beat me lightly and were told to take care of me so as not to become ill. I guess I will never be able to return home.

Dear Diary

This has been a great day!! I have been sold a few times over but much to my liking my sister has been brought back to my life. My master bought her without even realizing she was my sister but boy could they tell when we first laid eyes on one another. My sister screamed with such delight and we quickly embraced one another and began to speak of our journeys. I feel as if a piece of my heart has been mended. I hope this feeling last forever. I couldn't bare the thought of losing her again.

Dear Diary

Well, my heart has once more been torn from my chest. In the dead of the night my sister was taken once again. She was the only thing that made me smile. The day seemed so much more bearable with the thought of having her by my side. I have no idea where they have taken her once more. I only pray to my God that they keep her safe. Let her not be tortured as I have been and keep her safe into my heart.

Dear Diary

The days have been long and I have been steadily busy. I have come across some very nice