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Twelve Years a Slave

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Twelve Years a Slave

Written by: Solomon Northup
Narrated by: Hugh Quarshie
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About this listen

Hugh Quarshie reads the extraordinary autobiography of Solomon Northup. His harrowing true story, first published in 1853, was a key factor in the national debate over slavery prior to the American Civil War, significantly changing public opinion on the topic of abolition. It tells the horrifying tale of Solomon Northup, an educated, free black man living with his wife and children in New York State, whose life takes an appalling turn when he is kidnapped, drugged and sold into slavery.

Shipped to New Orleans, he endures the life of a slave in Louisiana's isolated plantation country. For twelve long years, he endures the unimaginable brutality and inhumanity of daily life, while keeping his dignity intact and dreaming of one day returning home to the arms of his family.

Twelve Years a Slave is soon to be a major motion picture, starring Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender.

©2013 AudioGO Ltd (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

  • 10 Best Audiobooks of 2013 (Salon)

    • "The resurgent interest in '12 Years a Slave' has everything to do with Steve McQueen's masterful film adaptation, but the book has more to offer than the movie, and the Ghanian-British stage actor Hugh Quarshie's conversational delivery stands out among a slew of newly released competing audiobook adaptations." (Kyle Minor, Salon)
"A moving, vital testament to one of slavery s many thousands gone who retained his humanity in the bowels of degradation. It is also a chilling insight into the peculiar institution.” ( Saturday Review Online)
All stars
Most relevant
the innocence, the incidence, the pain and torture,the redemption and finally deliverance. Humans never learn afterall

the redemption

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a very solemn story but you can't miss the guts of the author and his ultimate glory. moral of the story - no matter how dark the night is, there is always a dawn if you're willing to wait for it

a most poignant story

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Reading Solomon's account, my heart was filed with so much sadness for him and for all the slaves who lived through that period; and for the fact that humans are capable of lowering themselves to such depravity and inhumanity. Very moving true account. I feel like there is so much in my life to be grateful for.

Bleak and scary account of slavery

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What a story on slavery and discrimination!!It is unthinkable in this age that the institution of slavery was legal in not so distant a time!!This wonderful and touching story will touch ur soul and appeal to ur humanity.
Beautifully narrated also.
Highly recommended.

Touched to the core.

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This is a must read to know the dark side of humans on this planet. The story keeps you glued and is described with much detail. The book gives the sad story of a slave. The hardships and all details bring tears. Narration is in American accent hence slightly difficult to comprehend.

A story of Dark Side of Humanity

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