John Thompson (1812-? ) was born a slave, in Maryland. His narrative, written and first published in 1856 was entitled The Life of John Thompson, A Fugitive Slave; Containing His History of 25 Years in Bondage, and His Providential Escape, Written by Himself. In it he describes his captivity until his escape from slavery and his following career and marriage.

本著は単なる苦難の記録を超え、魂の尊厳を奪還するための戦記です。不条理下で著者が知性を研ぎ澄ませていく過程は文学的な力強さに満ちています。二十五年の束縛を「自らの筆」で綴る行為そのものが沈黙を強いられた魂による革命であり、読者の心を激しく揺さぶります。 過酷な運命を神の摂理と結びつけ、逃亡を精神的救済へと昇華させた筆致は圧巻です。不条理の中でいかに人間が高潔さを保ち得るか。真実の言葉が放つ重厚さと自由という普遍的なテーマが融合した、歴史的価値を超えて現代に響く不朽の人間讃歌と言えるでしょう。