“Really, it was difficult to determine which I had most reason to fear—dogs, alligators or men!”
― Solomon Northup, Twelve Years a Slave
I have to admit that I did not even know about this book before the movie and it took me a long time to realize that there was actually a book too It is kind of embarrassing for me because I usually know the old books (as they are free to read so it leaves no excuse not to read them) and memoirs in particular. I think everyone should read these memoirs and history not to let the same happen ever again. I’d also like to hear book recommendations on this in case you have ones?
12 Years a Slave is memoir of Solomon Northup published in 1853 It is really touching book because it has the most unique approach. Northup was a free man born in New York, skilled carpenter and violinist and family man: married to black woman and father of three. I honestly did not quite understand how this could happen in the first place. Humanity shows it’s rotten side as two men basically kidnap Northup and sell him into slavery where he is brutalized and close to death on many occasions. It’s very heart wrenching book.
“Life is dear to every living thing; the worm that crawls upon the ground will struggle for it.”
― Solomon Northup, Twelve Years a Slave
At the same time, I liked the hope element in the book. Already the title of this book gives you a hint of the happy ending. By that I mean that he was slave for 12 years. Then again, there was only hope for Northup. What about all those who were born into slavery and died in the slavery? And, I of course knew that slavery existed (we all do) 100 years ago and there is still human trafficking all around the world but even though when you are reading books like 12 Years a Slave, you just find it hard to believe that this happened only about 100 years ago…I’d give this book 8/10.
“What difference is there in the color of the soul?”
― Solomon Northup, 12 Years A Slave
Your Guide On How-To Read 12 Years a Slave
1. It is memoir, it is free, it tells a lot of history. No reason not to read it.
2. It is quite short, approximately 200 pages but the ending is very rushed, I didn’t like it and you won’t like it. Is it because of David Wilson, his editor?
3. If you like “slave-narratives”, this is the one you can’t skip. Solomon Northup describes life of the slave, the fear and all depressingly well. The stories of other slaves are heart-breaking.
4. I liked the language, so if you like to read comprehensible old language, you should take a look at this.
5. 12 Years a Slave is quite neutral book. It’s just memoir, in the end he says that he does have no comments concerning slavery, this peculiar institution. Reader can think for oneself what they think of it.
Post Scriptum,
Did you like the Vine? (The video in the beginning) This is how I often like to read classics especially if I am traveling because it is very light. Most people might have book in their bags but why, it’s so heavy! This particular reader is Sony Reader PRS-T1. It is my favorite one because battery lasts for months! , I have currently 102 books there and I think one can download even more + there is also room for MicroSD, the screen is not illuminated but it does have nice little reading lamp. It’s just like a book :)
I need to get one of those reading devices! It could be handy when travelling.
Absolutely! :) Of course one can think that hey I am traveling, I don’t need books, but then you might spend long hours at train for example… so this is very handy. Also, in that case if you want to drag more than one lonely planet. I think iPad is also another option but their battery doesn’t last for months and screens are too bright :D
Anastasia, you’re definitely not the only person to be unaware of this work until the movie was released. I hadn’t planned to read it but your review intrigued me.
I think this book is definitely worth one read because it does have interesting approach on the topic. However, I suppose I would basically recommend about all books I have read. If you choose to read it, I hope you will enjoy it :)
I now find my wife has a copy!
I think this book is definitely worth one read because it does have interesting approach on the topic. However, I suppose I would basically recommend about all books I have read. If you choose to read it, I hope you will enjoy it :)
I now find my wife has a copy!
I need to get one of those reading devices! It could be handy when travelling.
Absolutely! :) Of course one can think that hey I am traveling, I don’t need books, but then you might spend long hours at train for example… so this is very handy. Also, in that case if you want to drag more than one lonely planet. I think iPad is also another option but their battery doesn’t last for months and screens are too bright :D
Anastasia, you’re definitely not the only person to be unaware of this work until the movie was released. I hadn’t planned to read it but your review intrigued me.