This excellent book lends empirical substance to the abstract notion of master narratives, provides a clearer understanding of aspects of identity construction that are barely, if at all, controlled by subjects, and demonstrates how analyses of language use can contribute to the study of history – three highly commendable achievements.

- Jef Verschueren, University of Antwerp,

A brave and compelling book, with a multi-layered analysis. It infuses a corpus of data of historical significance with fresh insights from the thriving narrative analytic inquiry into identities at the same time as advancing the conceptualization of the elusive notion of 'master narratives.

- Alexandra Georgakopoulou, King’s College, London,

Bringing together the close analysis of talk in interview and the investigation into dominant discourses about race, slavery and human (in)equality, Jonathan Clifton and Dorien Van De Mieroop offer a unique glimpse into the way former slaves in the US constructed identities and past lives in their own voice. This fascinating study speaks once again to the power of narratives as tools for understanding, sharing and negotiating human experience.

- Anna De Fina, Georgetown University,