Uncle Tom's Cabin

I found that Buck Schirner's overall narration, but especially his lively and adept handling of the not easily read slave tongue, added a fourth dimension to a story I hadn't enjoyed since reading it during my grade school years. As for this classic story, I'll leave that to the thousands who have previously ruminated on it.

Given the large number of reviews of the book on Amazon and that there are several audio versions to choose from on Audible, I'll limit my review to the narrator. He is excellent. His mastery of person and voice is impressive. I was never in doubt as to which character was speaking. I enjoyed the book almost as much for the narration as for the content.

I'd missed reading this book in school, but am so glad I listened to it now! Ten minutes into the book I was hooked. Every sentence is beautifully structured. The storyline is superb and keeps you hanging on. I could never predict what was coming next. I highly recommend this read!!!

Being Canadian, I have not been exposed to much detail regarding the history of slavery in the US. While I am sure many American students end up reading this in school/college/university, I would never have had occasion to read it had it not been referenced in Barak Obama's books (which, by the way, are an amazing Audible listen). Uncle Tom's Cabin is incredibly engaging as it makes the oppression and cruelty of slavery palpable, in turn helping the uninitiated understand the importance of this divisive issue in American history. I also just enjoyed the turns of phrase of the 150 year old written word--don't let the book's age turn you off, the archaic expressions help make it a fabulous listen.

I very much enjoyed Buck Schirner's narration. He is quite obviously a born story teller. As for the story... I had not read anything of the story prior to this. I knew only that it was a classic. There is obviously a great reason this one has withstood the test of time. I love Uncle Tom. I laughed, I cried, and I felt so very much more. I am happy I did not let this one pass me by.

Listening to this was quite a revelation. My mother had often referred to someone who had not been properly brought up but just "grew like Topsy." She also knew something of Simon Legree. Both characters are in the book, as well as sayings like "It's a free country!" I can only imagine families reading this book aloud in the evening. It is not an easy read. I gave it five stars because between the author and the narrator it is absolutely superb. It is quite entertaining with great turns of plot and violence and ghosts and even love stories. Modern people may find it sappy. Other modern people may find something like their old-time religion in it. I gave it an immediate second listen at a time of serious depression and was much comforted. The book came out in 1852 and helped prepare the whole population for the end of slavery. With school children continuing to read the classic, it would have leavened thinking in ensuing years. In passing, I enjoyed noticing quaint turns of phrase no longer in use. I have a paper copy of the book and plan to share the Topsy chapter with my ESL learner, a Russian lady. Thanks, audible, for another good listen!

What can be said about this book that has not already been said. It easily belongs to the top tier of historical fiction novels ever written. The superb writing and character development will capture your imagination and get even the most hard-hearted to feel for the characters. As this novel is renowned for, it masterfully covers the deplorable nature of slavery, and the unfortunate situation the United States (and at various periods, much of the rest of the world) was in.

Matching this marvelous writing is an equally marvelous narrator who brings a unique personality to even the most minor of parts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in history as you will not be disappointed.

I remember when I had to read this book in high school. It was a chore I did not enjoy. But now in my effort to revisit great American authors, I can't say enough good things about this very well done audio book. Have Americans changed since the Civil War? Or because of human nature, will we always feel superior to some one?

This is an engaging story of innocence and violence. It brings an awareness of the historical sufferings of the weak and oppressed under the laws of that era. However, what struck me most was the strong message of the saving grace of Jesus throughout all of the characters' harshest trials. While there are times that the story is set aside for moments of religious reflection, the thread of it is never lost. Ms. Stowe entwines the gospel message of redemption and sacrifice with a historically significant portrayal of the horrors of domination and ungodliness. The recording was done very well, with easily identifiable voices and accents. The quality of the recording was clear without interruption.

I enjoyed this book. I don't know how historically correct it is but it is absolutely heartbreaking and entertaining at the same time. Definitely makes you think. Kept my interest the whole way through.