Slaves’ voice and memory

Úrsula, by Maria Firmina dos Reis

Abstract

The novel Úrsula, written by Maria Firmina dos Reis, was first published in 1859, and came to be studied again in the 1970s, from the publication of the facsimile edition by Horácio de Almeida. Úrsula was the first novel written by an afro-descendant in the Brazilian literature, which presents itself as pioneer in the treatment of slavery as it is narrated from the perspective of the slaves. In this novel, the writer gives voice to the slaves and they report their memories (not only about their homeland, but also about the crossing to get to Brazil), about the violence that slaves were submitted to.