Twelve Years a Slave

By: Solomon Northup

Narrated by: Hugh Quarshie

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's 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)

Spoken Tears

There are so many that could only imagine quite like this. The struggles and strength of Black Americans has brought tears to my heart and eyes. We can not forget from whom. we came from, and where we are going.

Will Listen Again

I will save this book. The first person narrative is incongruous to the dated writing style. If you enjoy the KJV Bible or Shakespeare you will be okay with this. To hear an urban African American read something likely written by a well meaning white writer of flowery prose is awkward at times, but hey, it’s free! Worthy story but would read better written in the third person.

Unbelievable!

As a native of Alexandria, LA, this narrative was of great interest to me. It showed vividly the evils of slavery in a way I have never read. Though emotionally difficult to listen to, I think it has given me a better understanding of that period of history. A must read for those who love the truth!

Heartbroken

Being born and raised in Haiti. Knowing that Haiti has helped the US to get Louisiana, it’s still painful to listen to this story during the black lives matter movement. I hope the next generations live a greater life full of satisfaction without discrimination.

An amazing story of resilience

What a powerful story. I wonder how many such experiences remain untold stories. Solomon's perseverance as told was unbelievable.

Slave narratives like this should be required reading.

Faith and Perseverance in Spite of Incredible Injustice

One of the great true stories of perseverance that we have; also one of most candid incriminations of slavery and man’s capacity to disregard his fellow man. An important book for anyone to read.

Should be required reading from middle school on

A gut wrenching account of one man and the country that betrayed and oppressed him and thousands upon thousands of others.

The story is imperative and the narrator superb.

Remember Your Chains

A truly incredible piece of American history, though the events not some to be proud of. The strength, endurance, and hope of Solomon Northup and his bravery in publishing his story are unmatched by most in his day. He brought to light firsthand the true horrors of slavery in the Antebellum South, and yet retained a hatred for the institution and not all slave owners in the south. This is one of the best works of American history and literature that must not be forgotten. The narrative was great as well!

Exceptionally done

Phenomenal narration of an incredible story. This book is written beautifully, truely honoring the life it describes.

The tempo of the reader and his accents being authentic and not overly done or insulting.

Amazing story! I wish it never happened but an amazing testimony to wit, will, and fight to survive.