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Twelve Years a Slave
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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.
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)
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BillyBlackBear
- 21-03-14
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.
15 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- mrs wendy watson
- 29-04-15
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
14 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Shaza
- 06-05-14
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.
11 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- maria
- 11-01-15
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.
9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- luizav
- 24-11-15
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.
8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MRS
- 18-03-14
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…..
8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lareine
- 11-09-15
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.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BR
- 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.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr Dan
- 31-05-15
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.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Venetia
- 13-12-13
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.
19 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Joel
- 23-01-14
What an Experience
In mid-2013 I first saw the trailer for the movie Twelve Years a Slave and knew right away I wanted to see it. I've got to be honest I'd never heard of Solomon Northup nor his story. What I appreciated most about reading Twelve Years a Slave was it was the most honest telling of that time period I've ever read. The descriptions that Solomon had on being a slave, his masters, and his fellow slaves made you feel like you were back in the mid-1800's in the South,
What can I possibly say that hasn't already been said before. To me Twelve Years a Slave should be required reading for all students in America. It shows slavery through the eyes of a slave not something we have many first hand accounts of. I'm so glad I read Twelve Years a Slave and cannot wait to see the movie.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caro
- 01-12-13
Hugh Quarshie performance -- strongly recommended
After seeing the movie, I wanted to read or hear the book and had to decide which of several versions to go with. So glad I selected the Hugh Quarshie audible.com performance. I can't imagine a better reading. It felt as though I was hearing it straight from Soloman Northup, including some of the pronunciation nuances.
Believing this understanding should be part of every American's education, I have read a number of very enlightening slave narratives/histories. I do agree with another reviewer who said that Northrup's story, because it is told from the perspective of a free as well as enslaved man, is special and builds a helpful bridge that a 21st century free person can relate to. Normally I wouldn't say this, but I do recommend seeing the movie before reading the book. In this particular case, it enhanced my ability to "see" what was happening.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Diva Bryant
- 18-02-15
Excellent
Better than the movie!!! Excellent ❤️this book should be added to the high school preferred reading list. Love this book
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Homer
- 31-12-14
Required reading
This book reads like a novel. The events depicted are raw and emotional. Just an inspiring effort written with con conviction. Maybe in the next life I can thank Solomon for this gift.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- P. E. Cole
- 14-07-14
SAD, SAD, SAD!
Where does Twelve Years a Slave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is a moving, gut-wrenching story. I absolutely cannot believe that one human could treat another as they did in this story! And in the name of a God, who is love! They must be in the darkest part of Hell today!
Would you ever listen to anything by Solomon Northup again?
Yes, definitely.
What does Hugh Quarshie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Easy to listen, too. Amazed that he can read the story without choking.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Timothy
- 07-06-14
It Will Make You Cringe
Which scene was your favorite?
I really enjoyed the description of the Christmas feast.
Any additional comments?
This book is a tremendous recounting that provides gruesome insight into the details of the tragedy of slave life. Anyone with a conscience should read this to remind them how terrible humankind can be when we fail to do what is clearly right.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tammy
- 10-02-14
The best but hardest story to listen to
Where does Twelve Years a Slave rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It's definitely in my top 10.
What did you like best about this story?
I liked that this story is in Solomon's own words
Have you listened to any of Hugh Quarshie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No I haven't but he was amazing. The perfect voice
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes. I had to know what happened and I basically did listen in one sitting. Thank goodness for 2x speed.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bruce Cota
- 06-09-19
Skip the movie, listen to this instead
This is really fascinating listen about history, slavery and, frankly, human nature. I found it very thought provoking.
I listened to this before watching the movie. I watched one key scene from the movie and found it totally misrepresented. I can't watch the film, now.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Deborah Fradelis
- 14-09-17
Wonderful reading, important story
Wonderful reading of a gripping and important story. I wish I had read it years ago.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Fox
- 11-11-16
Great book and what a sad truth of our American history
I'm grateful to have been raised in a free nation. How sad to hear an accurate depiction from a slaves point of view. Sadness, respect and reverence to our slave ancestors and those who helped abolish slavery.