Hottentot Venus: The Life and Death of Sarah Baartman

Rachel Holmes' biography of Sarah Baartman, a slave turned showgirl, explores her life and the forces that dominated her age, revealing her as a symbol of exploitation, colonialism, and defiance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The acclaimed biography of Sarah Baartman, once a slave and later a showgirl, is a powerful and timely story that delves into the forces that dominated her age and continue to resonate in our own time. Written by Rachel Holmes, this captivating book offers a comprehensive account of Baartman's extraordinary life, tracing her journey from a slave in South Africa to a celebrated showgirl in London.

Born into slavery in the early 1800s, Baartman's exceptional beauty and talent were quickly recognized. She was sold to a British colonist and taken to Europe, where she was exhibited as a freak show attraction. Her captivating physique, particularly her shapely bottom, drew crowds of people who marveled at her exotic appearance.

However, Baartman's life was not without its struggles. She was subjected to extreme exploitation, abuse, and humiliation. She was stripped naked, pinched, painted, worshipped, and ridiculed by those who saw her as nothing more than a curiosity. Despite the cruelty she faced, Baartman remained resilient and defiant.

Through her remarkable story, Holmes sheds light on the forces that dominated her age, including colonialism, exploitation, and the objectification of women. Baartman's life became a symbol of resistance against these oppressive forces, as she used her beauty and talent to challenge the societal norms of her time.

Holmes' writing is impeccable, and her book is a fascinating and illuminating read. She brings Baartman's life to life with vivid detail and emotional depth, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and triumphs. The book also provides a valuable insight into the history of slavery and the impact it had on African communities.

In conclusion, Sarah Baartman: The Hottentot Venus is a significant and timely book that offers a powerful account of the life of a remarkable woman. Written by Rachel Holmes, this captivating book sheds light on the forces that dominated her age and continues to resonate in our own time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the human experience.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408899113