A review by nickscoby
Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

5.0

I haven't seen the movie and I've avoided the book. Like, actively avoided because I just couldn't deal. So with great hesitancy and dread I started reading, pausing quite often in the early chapters because while I knew that Northup was "only" 12 years a slave, I couldn't imagine getting through the first year. I just didn't know what awaited. How the narrative not only maintains his dignity but his integrity, anger, and humanity. Although the narrative upholds the Sentimental treatment of the day, Northup is surprisingly critical of slavery and American justice and takes a few jabs at Uncle Tom's Cabin, as well. The tale is suspenseful and detailed where it needs to be (i.e., describing a slave's day to day life) and modest and respectful in other moments (i.e., sexual assault is clear but not sensationalized). Overall, anyone, particularly African Americans, ought be PROUD of Northup, who is simply, a total bad ass. At the same time, we are left reminded of tender Patsey, who did not have the privilege of breaking free. Now that I have concluded this text, I no longer want to see the film, so that I can cherish the narrative in my memory. Bravo.