Reviews

I'll probably be lambasted for saying that I didn't really care for this book, but it was so "preachy" to me that I almost couldn't finish it, and I know I skipped over a lot of those long-winded paragraphs. Despite knowing that this book was written during times of slavery and knowing that it was meant to influence Americans to abolish the practice, I didn't like the propaganda feel of it.
That set aside, I did not like the style in which it was written; I felt like the narrator told the story with too many asides to the audience. There also was that whole middle of the book where she simply dropped the storyline of George and Eliza, only to come back at the very end to wrap things up all nice and neat.
At the time I'm sure this was a very necessary and influential book. However, for me, in this day and age, I feel there are much better books out there portraying the life and times of America and her slaves during the time of slavery. The only reason I give this book 2 stars instead of one is because it is the only book so far that I have run across that describes how the Northern free states were also responsible for the plight of slaves by being racist, refusing to educate those who came for refuge, and for not speaking up sooner on behalf of the African-Americans as human beings.

carriedoodledoo's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Surprisingly readable for being written in the 1850s. I can definitely see the spark that made it a raging success.

misshgtraveling's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

As a privileged white person, I think we often flatter ourselves with stories like 'The Help' showing us the heroes of the oppressed. I feel inclined to say that every person in America should read Uncle Tom's Cabin. To remind ourselves that we humans are not the hero in another's story.

thinhnh3009's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Uncle Tom Cabin brings the readers into the emotional worlds where different stories from different people are told, but all of them are connected around the theme of slavery and discrimination. I really love the ways the author set up the frame for everything to happen. There is a big twist at the end of the story, which I think is the most beautiful part of the story, ending the book perfectly and touchingly. Christianity plays a main role in the story, guiding the thought and action of the characters. The characters are well-built and some of them are really complicated but relatable. The book really helps me understand more the 19th century period in America, and how egregious the situations of African-American had to bear at that time. This book is also based on true events, therefore its effect on criticizing discrimination issue is even more profound. To sum up, this is a really good book.

queeneallie's review against another edition

Go to review page

Once again, I tried to read this book and it's just so wordy. And there is so much going on that isn't important, and new characters being introduced....just really not my cup of tea.

ro_se12's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

dlguertin_66's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I know most people read this in school but not me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is very profound.

More...