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1.46k reviews for:
Twelve Years a Slave: Including; Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Solomon Northup, Frederick Douglass
4.23 AVERAGE
1.46k reviews for:
Twelve Years a Slave: Including; Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Solomon Northup, Frederick Douglass
4.23 AVERAGE
Fantastic book!! I loved everything about it. When I first started reading it, I didn't know if I would be able to get used to the writing style (it was published in the 1800's) but it was easy to get into. I then found out it was a movie and watched it and the movie was TERRIBLE. If I had watched the movie first, I wouldn't have read the book so I'm happy that I read it first.
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
There are certain books you read because you owe it to humanity to hear a certain story, not because you derive any enjoyment from that story. This book turned my stomach and made my skin crawl.
"This is no fiction. No exaggeration. If I have failed in anything, it has been in presenting to the reader too prominently the bright side of the picture. I doubt not that hundreds have been as unfortunate as myself. That hundreds of free citizens have been kidnapped and sold into slavery and are at this moment are wearing out their lives..."
"This is no fiction. No exaggeration. If I have failed in anything, it has been in presenting to the reader too prominently the bright side of the picture. I doubt not that hundreds have been as unfortunate as myself. That hundreds of free citizens have been kidnapped and sold into slavery and are at this moment are wearing out their lives..."
Who doesn’t love some old-fashion white guilt to start off their summer? This story was heartbreaking, though that should be expected from a slave narrative. I was impressed by how physically easy it was to read, despite being published in 1853. That said, while the word choice flowed well, the actually subject material made it a difficult, disturbing read. I recommend it for everyone. It’s important to remember these parts of history.
I hadn't heard of this book until the film came out (which I haven't seen) but I was intrigued and thought I'd find it. An engaging read. Not an easy read, but that was more to do with subject matter than writing style. Worth a read.
Part of our history
Great book, it was.well.written and brought you back to that time and place. This should be read as school assignments.
Great book, it was.well.written and brought you back to that time and place. This should be read as school assignments.
I didn't pick this book up when the movie came out in 2013. Today, having just finished, it's hard for me to put into words how strongly I feel about everyone needing to read this. I'll keep this short and sweet.
Twelve Years a Slave should be read by everyone, it's an important story that needs to be heard by all. Solomon Northup suffered immensely, and to be able to read his story 100+ years after it occurred is humbling.
Twelve Years a Slave should be read by everyone, it's an important story that needs to be heard by all. Solomon Northup suffered immensely, and to be able to read his story 100+ years after it occurred is humbling.
Having just read The Invention of Wings, this was an accidental but excellent choice for follow-up reading. This gives a more in depth look into the life of a slave. And this narrative has the twist of being from the perspective of a freeman who was kidnapped and sold into slavery as an adult. I listened to this an an audiobook, read by Louis Gossett Jr., who did an excellent job though sometimes I wished for a pause between transitions.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced