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Twelve Years a Slave cover art

Twelve Years a Slave

By: Solomon Northup
Narrated by: Hugh Quarshie
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Summary

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)

What listeners say about Twelve Years a Slave

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  • Overall
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This is a book for the school curriculum

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

Absolutely. This book was touching, poignant, frightening and enlightening. Solomon Northrup was a courageous man and this is a story of hope and triumph. I loved listening to it and it was beautifully narrated.

What did you like best about this story?

I learnt a great deal about the slave era. I have read many fictional books on this subject and we all know the stories, but, this memoir was much more raw and authentic. I loved the character of Solomon Northrup and his factual, and understated emotional account was powerful and informative. It is an unforgettable story.

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

I haven't listened to this narrator before but I have to congratulate him on this performance. He read the story with exactly the right amount of emotion and at exactly the right tempo. I would love to hear him read again.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found the book very emotional, although I did not laugh or cry. I think my over-riding emotion was shame. I am white. The slave owners were white. I am ashamed that any person from my race could ever have been so cruel.

Any additional comments?

An excellent book that I will never forget.

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20 people found this helpful

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True Character

I almost didn't listen to this book as the language used takes a little getting used to but I am so glad that I did persevere! This is a beautiful story, brutal in many places but it never fails to show true human character in all it's glory and horror.

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19 people found this helpful

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Brilliant

This book is well narrated, it's a brilliant book, I enjoyed a lot, but be warned does have very emotional and heartbreaking at times. By Wendy

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17 people found this helpful

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Unbelievably absorbing

On beginning this audio book, I was unable to think of anything other than getting back to it. Solomon Northup's story is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming in the knowledge that he was saved after 12 terrible years being degraded by unscrupulous white slavers. His fortunate meeting with Bass leads him back to his rightful place. The overriding sadness Is for all the many black people that were held in captivity and the injustice felt will stay with the reader. This is truly a masterpiece of immeasurable importance.

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13 people found this helpful

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Amazing

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

I would definitely listen to this book again I actually plan to by the book in paper form and keep it to pass down to my grandchildren and hopefully it will be passed down to further generation.

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

The moment Solomon out run the dogs to get to his former master, and the moment he was found by his rescuer.

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

Solomon Northup's character.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were some moments that made me smile, but mostly this was a sad read that made me want to cry from time to time.

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13 people found this helpful

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Spectacular story

I loved the story very sad and very untertaining.The voice and pace were enthralling and I was kept curious at every step.I fully recommend this.

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10 people found this helpful

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Brilliant, heartbreaking and very informative

What did you like about this audiobook?

A strong performance by Hugh Quarshie dealing with a heartbreaking story with depth and strength.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

I found out a lot more through this book about slavery than from many other sources previously and although very traumatic is is a story that I believe everyone should read/hear as a reminder of just how cruel mankind can be and yet the courage and bravery of people to overcome.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

The book is full of real facts and personal experience that will me to keep listening in the hope that justice would eventually prevail.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

nothing!!!!

Do you have any additional comments?

A brilliant listen which only includes what it need to offer a frank and true expression of one mans incredible bravery and enduring hope…..

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9 people found this helpful

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Thought provoking read.

What made the experience of listening to Twelve Years a Slave the most enjoyable?

The narrator sounded like he really was Solomon, which made the story even more poignant. It makes you realise how vicious the white people in the South were to the black slaves.

What did you like best about this story?

The way he introduced people and gave an explanation of the pertinence of that person in advance so that he didn't have to do it when they actually appeared in the story, to keep your interest in what was happening.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

His escape through the marsh.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Parts of the book made me cry. I laughed when he gave the overseer a good whack! Also made me ashamed of the white people and how they abused these poor people. Shocked that they could get away with abducting educated and free black people so easily.

Any additional comments?

I am glad he did manage to get free and was able to tell his story. Solomon managed to make light of his situation in some places despite the gravity. I imagine it taught him a lot about himself and about his fellow men. It was a cruel world, and I'm sure it still goes on to an extent. A good read which I found hard to put down.

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6 people found this helpful

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  • 06-07-15

An outstanding book - well worth reading

This is an outstanding book. It portrays as accurately as possible the realities of the horrid situation faced by those who were victims of slavery. It was disturbing to listen to some of the parts. But that is what makes it the reality that it was.

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4 people found this helpful

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A must read for all

Took a while getting used to the language but well worth it. Superbly read! Brilliant story - I only wish that more had stood up against the scourge of slavery sooner. A dark moment in history.

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