Powerful story that everyone should hear

A beautifully read story of Solomon Northup that grips the reader from the very start. The characters were so well described that I could visualise them and the scenes clearly. I am glad it was made into a movie too as it is important that the harsh history of slavery reaches as many people as possible. In the current times, we often forget the fights that happened for us to enjoy freedom. We need to be constantly reminded.

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1 person found this helpful

12 years of hell

Would you listen to Twelve Years a Slave again? Why?

An amazing book that makes you realise how fortunate in life you are and not to take things for granted. The book is of course much better than the film!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Twelve Years a Slave?

Patsy's beating for such a trivial matter

Have you listened to any of Hugh Quarshie’s other performances? How does this one compare?

First time

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it going to bed and listened to it several times. It's a very emotional subject.

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Amazing

When starting to read this book I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to understand a lot of it, being English my second language and this having been written so long ago. I was wrong.

I have to say this is the best written book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Everything is beautifully phrased. Concise, powerful, easily understandable. Amazing.

The story is extremely moving and relevant even to this day

My new favourite book

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Never watched the film but I will now

For some reason this film never appealed to me, but I’m thoroughly glad I listened to this audio book. Extremely well written and narrated.

Brings to life the harrowing experience of those subjected to the slave trade, yet also inspiring to know that someone can go through all that cruelty and survive with dignity, to see freedom, and as a well educated man be able to write about his experience to ensure it is not lost from mankind’s unsavoury history.

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Lest we forget the context of #blacklivesmatter

For me, this book, and the subsequent film of the same name, makes unquestionably clear how a legacy of suffering is inherited by all of humanity. From the unresolved trauma of countless, horrific injustices inflicted upon the enslaved, to the morally impoverished hearts borne from the delusion of those that foolishly believe they can profit from taking away another's freedom, desperately clinging to lies that justify their actions. It is not possible that the history of slavery can be separated from the context of modern times. Everything is inextricably interconnected and the chickens are coming home to roost on a daily basis. Lest we forget, make it your duty to listen to the testament of Solomon Northup....

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Wow I really enjoyed this

Where does Twelve Years a Slave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favourites

What was one of the most memorable moments of Twelve Years a Slave?

The return to his family

Which character – as performed by Hugh Quarshie – was your favourite?

Has to be the "slave"

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

there are too many to mention

Any additional comments?

I have seen the film which is excellent but the book is even better than the film

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A Traguc Read

So sad to read how little black lives mattered. the unnecessary beating we endured at the hands of people willing to be wickedly racist.

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Staggering

A absolutely essential tale to listen to and remember. To understand that this is how humans treated other humans is an invaluable lesson for all.

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Absorbing...

If this is not part of the school curriculum, it should be considered so. This audible narrative is excellent in every sense.

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Listen to this audiobook

Such a touching, horrific piece of history. I'm leaving this audiobook informed and disgusted with the state of our world only 180 years ago. throughout the telling, emotions of rage, despair and hope (only that the world is slightly better today) filled me. I would recommend this book to anyone in order to spread the word of how ... I can't even finish writing this. Its just shocking. but I feel one of the most important pieces of literature I've ever read. Narrator done a brilliant job at painting the narrative, felt like I was genuinely listening to Solomon speak his story.

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