Twelve Years a Slave

By: Solomon Northup

Narrated by: Louis Gossett Jr.

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Official Movie Tie-in Audiobook for the Academy Award's Best Picture and Golden Globe's Best Drama winner.

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller.

In this riveting landmark autobiography which reads like a novel, Academy Award and Emmy winner Louis Gossett, Jr., masterfully transports us to 1840s New York, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana to experience the kidnapping and twelve years of bondage of Solomon Northup, a free man of color. Twelve Years a Slave, published in 1853, was an immediate bombshell in the national debate over slavery leading up to the Civil War. It validated Harriett Beecher Stowe’s fictional account of Southern slavery in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which had become the best-selling American book in history a few years earlier and significantly changed public opinion in favor of abolition. Experience our official movie tie-in audiobook for the award-winning motion picture, directed by Steve McQueen and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o. This audio edition with an accompanying custom map is based on the research of Dr. Sue Eakin, the nationally recognized authority on Solomon Northup who spent a lifetime authenticating his story.

Hard working Solomon Northup, an educated free man of color in 1841, enjoys family life with his wife and three children in Saratoga, New York. He delights his community with his fiddle playing and antic spirit, and has positive expectations of all he meets. When he is deceived by “circus promoters” to accompany them to a musical gig in the nation’s capital, his joyful life takes an unimaginable turn. He awakens in shackles to find he has been drugged, kidnapped and bound for the slave block in D.C.

After Solomon is shipped 1,000 miles to New Orleans, he is assigned his slave name and quickly learns that the mere utterance of his true origin or rights as a freeman are certain to bring severe punishment or death. While he endures the brutal life of a slave in Louisiana’s isolated Bayou Boeuf plantation country, he must learn how to play the system and plot his escape home.

For 12 years, his fine mind captures the reality of slavery in stunning detail, as we learn about the characters that populate plantation society and the intrigues of the bayou – from the collapse of a slave rebellion resulting in mass hangings due to traitorous slave Lew Cheney, to the tragic abuse of his friend Patsey because of Mrs. Epps’ jealousy of her husband’s sexual exploitation of his pretty young slave.

When Solomon finally finds a sympathizing friend who risks his life to secret a letter to the North, a courageous rescue attempt ensues that could either compound Solomon’s suffering, or get him back to the arms of his family.

AUTHENTICATION: Northup’s harrowing first-hand account was authenticated from decades of research by Dr. Sue Eakin, who rediscovered the original narrative as a 12-year old in 1931 and made it her life’s work.

For additional audio clips, background info and images, see our website at www.12YearsASlaveBook.com.

Download your unique free map based on Solomon's narrative.

©2013 Eakin Films & Publishing (P)2013 Eakin Films & Publishing

Critic reviews

“...Gossett infuses the words with a quiet, seething power." ( AudioFile, 2013)

“I can never read his account of his days in slavery, of his independence of spirit, of his determination to be free…without believing that it would make a difference in today's world if our contemporaries knew of such a man as Solomon Northup." (Dr. John Hope Franklin, past president of the American Historical Association, best-selling author, recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom, nation's highest civilian honor)

"[T]he extraordinary narrative of Solomon Northup is the most remarkable book that was ever issued from the American press." ( Detroit Tribune, original 1853 review) "Its truth is far greater than fiction." (Frederick Douglass, famous writer, former slave and abolitionist) "It will be read extensively, both at the North and the South." ( New York Tribune, 1853, published by Horace Greeley)

I've waited for this a long time

Any additional comments?

Almost forty years ago, Dr. Sue Eakin opened for me the portal to the world of Solomon Northup, an educated free man of color kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve years in the fields that I had seen growing up in central Louisiana. Her life's mission was to nurture and preserve his true story, and because of her dedication, I know about this remarkable man who over a hundred years ago walked many of the same places I walked ... he in bondage, me in freedom.

In 1975, Dr. Eakin's son, Frank Eakin (my classmate and today the producer of the audiobook), photographed the old plantation house where Northup toiled in the fields of its brutal owner. I was amazed to discover that it was about 5 miles from my home and that I could read all about it in my grandmother's copy of "Twelve Years A Slave." First edited by Dr. Eakin in 1968 to authenticate Northup's original narrative (published in 1853, but hard to find through the cobwebs of time), it has been preserved for eternity in the canon of slave narratives because of her lifetime's efforts. So much did Solomon Northup become woven into her life that he became like a member of the whole Eakin family, and his name is chiseled into my own lifetime of memories.

Thus began my magnificent obsession during these last four decades; I could never forget Northup. He was the subject of many of my college essays and presentations, and his experiences elicited both the delight and horror of my classmates. I've collected Dr. Eakin’s subsequent Louisiana history textbook and her histories of surrounding towns for my "Eakin library," and my family and I have cherished these treasures like priceless heirlooms.

Now imagine that Northup has a voice ... and that of none other than the inimitable Lou Gossett, Jr. A voice is worth a thousand emotions, and Mr. Gossett intones the dignity and the wit, the anger and the anguish, the joy and the sorrow of Solomon Northup. This audiobook allows you to imagine that he's sitting right next to you and telling you all about his kidnapping and the loss of his freedom (in the nation's capital city, no less) and his twelve long years in bondage. Besides being educated and born a free man, Northup was a musician who felt the rhythms in the melody of life. Mr. Gossett's dynamic voice and seamless transitions between characters and events places you in the middle of the 1800s, actually feeling it through the eyes of a slave...an extremely intelligent man with a spirit that could not be "whipped down" when he was made the scapegoat of the lesser men who "owned" him.

Yes, I've waited to "meet" Solomon Northup a long time, as a lover of history and today as a teacher. You'll want to meet him, too. You'll never forget him, and maybe some day you'll want to ride along the winding country roads that are marked as the "Northup Trail" in central Louisiana while Solomon tells you his story. He'll awaken the ghosts of another time, as well as your humanity.

Watched the Movie First, Then listened to the Book

The movie made such an impact on me that I purchased the audiobook. Tarantino's Django Unchained with it's slave superman gave me no emotional understanding of what it meant to be a slave in the deep south. This movie did and I wanted to listen to the book to extend that knowledge.

Then it sat for a while, because this started to feel like a homework assignment (I'm ashamed to admit). It wasn't. The book did start slowly as the mundane life of Solomon Northrup was laid out in the first thirty minutes. But that was necessary to identify our ordinary lives with Solomon's average lifestyle and therefore really "feel" his sudden revocation of freedom when it happened.

This story was able to educate, fascinate and spark my outrage towards slavery all over again. If you are like me and have already seen this movie, here are some tips for your upcoming audio adventure.

There are some scenes in the movie that were made up. You will recognize that with the noticeable omissions during your second time through this incredible story. There were some scenes that were in the movie and in the book. They will became richer with a second telling from a deeper perspective. Finally there was a lot that wasn't in the movie or glossed over in the movie. These pieces were totally absorbing as you take in the reality of slavery in the deep south all over again.

Some stories should not be ignored. This is one of them.

Producer Note: Louis Gossett and Dr. Sue Eakin

Any additional comments?

I'm Frank Eakin of Eakin Films & Publishing, the producer of this audiobook. We are hopeful that AudioFile Magazine’s outstanding review of Louis Gossett, Jr.’s narration of TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE in early 2013 will be the first of many that will set the stage for a Grammy nomination: “...Gossett infuses the words with a quiet, seething power." Aside from being a world class performer with an Emmy for his role as Fiddler in ROOTS and an Oscar for OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, Lou’s passion for this story and the subject of human suffering drives his riveting performance. He has been a wonderful partner in this venture and his work comes from the heart.

The story of Solomon Northup has a long history in my family. Originally published in 1853, the autobiography was lost to history by the early twentieth century, when a 12-year old avid reader in central Louisiana – the future Dr. Sue Eakin – reached upon the library shelf of a plantation home and discovered a dusty copy of the book that would determine her life's path. She went on write her master's thesis about Solomon’s story and after decades of research, produced the first authenticated edition of the book in 1968. In 2007, at the age of 88, she completed a final definitive edition with over 100 pages of additional fascinating information, never-before-published images and unique maps related to the story that will be released as an e-book and paperback on Amazon soon. This audiobook edition comes with an accompanying copyrighted custom map developed by Dr. Eakin that tracks the story and shows the plantation tracts owned by the slave masters mentioned in the narrative.

For more info, including updates on the 2013 movie starring Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti and Michael Fassbender (directed by Steve McQueen), check out our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Also see our Facebook page for Eakin Films & Publishing and the title’s Wikipedia page. Whenever you see Dr. Sue Eakin’s name associated with a book or audiobook related to Solomon’s story, that’s us – and you’ll know that you’re buying a high quality product with Dr. Eakin’s lifetime of research and dedication behind it.

Great story - terrible narration

What didn’t you like about Louis Gossett, Jr.’s performance?

Louis Gossett Jr. is a fantastic actor but a narrator he is NOT. I almost gave up listening after finding myself re-winding numerous times because he simply "swallows" his words - all too often he mumbles like he has a mouth full of marbles. I did listen to the end but was thankful when it was over. It really surprises me that other reviewers did not comment on this. Yes it was a great story with a very relevant historical message about the inhumanity of man. I just wish it had been read by someone else.

This was a great and inspiring story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this audiobook to my friends.

This story takes you into the mind and thoughts of a slave in mid-1800s Louisiana. This book has a slightly different angle, telling the story from the perspective on a free man of color who was lured from his hometown in New York and kidnapped into slavery in Washington DC (on the mall across from the Capitol), then shipped to Louisiana. Solomon is highly intelligent and smarter than most slaves (and slave masters), and has unique talents. He describes aspects of slavery that are very seldom told. As a descendant of a slave, this is the first book I have read that answered questions that are never asked. It shed insight on why the slaves continued in slavery and did not, or could not, revolt en masse, and what they did when they just couldn't take it anymore. As an African-American, I especially appreciated the effort made by the author to enlighten future generations about the truth of 19th century Southern slavery and provide a factual view of the institution based on his actual experience, and a balanced account of individual men who populated plantation society.

What other book might you compare Twelve Years a Slave to and why?

It is hard to compare this book to any I have read, since most books about slavery tell pretty much the same story. This author really tried to capture the life and experience of this slave and shared his inner thoughts. This is was made this book exceptional.

What does Louis Gossett, Jr. bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Based on Lou Gossett's very personal performance of the slave Solomon Northup's first-person story, I'm thinking that the movie can't match what I just experienced. He makes you feel as if you are actually sitting across from him, perhaps over coffee, and he is sharing his story, sometimes engaging you in the haunting details of his captivity and the characters he encountered along his journey (some evil, some heroic), and sometimes emotionally gripping you with heart-rending moments that he conveys with perfection. You soon forget it's a performance and you live the moment with Solomon. The realism Gossett delivers helps you to visualize the people and scenes in your mind in a way that seems more powerful than a movie's visuals. I am an avid audiobook listener and this experience was unique. It's much more than a narration, it's bringing a slave from 150 years ago back to life and placing him in front of you.

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

Yes, it was hard to turn off.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this audiobook to all African Americans. It gives a new insight into our ancestors life. It answers some of those questions that we don't ask.

Lou Gossett brings a slave back to life

Would you consider the audio edition of Twelve Years a Slave to be better than the print version?

I had read this powerful book years ago and was surprised how its impact was even more stunning. Gossett's telling offered no escape from my own deep feelings.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Solomon speaks the truth of slavery in unflinching detail, yet is deeply philosophical and introspective, so listeners take a growth-ful journey with him.

What does Louis Gossett, Jr. bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Gossett's seems to live out Solomon's repressed anger, forthright rage, despair, and also delivers witty retorts, contentment and joy.

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

Some scenes were hard to take (beatings, children torn from mothers) and I reacted with deep sorrow. I was grateful for Solomon's wonderful wit and his willingness to find value in all his work.

Any additional comments?

Any listener can learn a lot from Solomon Northup, a keen observer of both nature and human nature who has the intelligence, and the will, to make his experience meaningful to himself and others.

Powerful narrative of an enslaved free man

What does Louis Gossett, Jr. bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

"Twelve Years A Slave" is a powerful narrative in and of itself, telling the story of Solomon Northup, a black man born free yet kidnapped and sold into slavery for twelve years before being rescued. The narrative provides a unique perspective on slavery, being told from the slave himself instead of an outsider looking in. Solomon's view is not sugar-coated, but neither is it harsh when it does not need to be. Louis Gossett, Jr.'s voice brings a humanness to Solomon, and in doing so brings him to life. While listening to Gossett's extraordinary delivery, one hears the emotions Solomon felt throughout the narrative - the disillusionment upon being kidnapped, the hope of one day escaping, the hopelessness of that same possibility, the realization that not all slave owners were beasts, the horror at the actions of other slave owners, just to name a few. I found that multiple times during the course of listening to Gossett reading the narrative of Solomon Northup, I would almost forget it was not Northup himself recounting his experiences. Gossett is so effective in this regard that I felt myself experiencing the emotions along with Solomon. This rare perspective offers a glimpse into slavery that many people cannot fathom. At the end, I felt I knew Solomon Northup so well that I celebrated along with him at his long overdue freedom.

Powerful on every level.

First of all, the account of slave life in this book is remarkable. Free from the gloss of historical fiction, it just lays out the hard, cold facts. The description of daily life is beyond anything I'd ever imagined. The word "horrific" doesn't even begin to describe it. Second, there is Solomon Northup's way of dealing with life and mankind. I simply cannot imagine being dealt those cards and responding with even a tenth of his dignity. Third ... it's impossible not to admire Northup's writing ability and his wonderful vocabulary. I was charmed by him.

I am awed by the men and women who had the strength of mind to endure. And I'm grateful for the brave souls who had the conviction to deal with slavery - often in personal ways and at great risk - and to help when they could. This book had a way of really personalizing that work and making its importance so clear.

The narration fits this book perfectly. I heard Solomon Northup telling his story - exactly as it should be. It is a tough listen at times, but powerful and very real. Highly recommended.

"PLATT, GO GET SOME WOOD!" & FREEDOM BY LUNCHTIME

Beautifully written, beautifully read, an easy listen, never a dull moment, and happens to be true. This is our history (and I'm white). But first of all, click on "PDF" under the title in your library. Roll down to see the map of the neighborhood where the author was kept in slavery for ten of his twelve years before being freed.

Louis Gossett, Jr. was a great choice to read this book. I got off to a rough start, however, and I suspect he did as well. Just turn up your volume and keep listening. It smooths out. The language is old-fashioned, very courtly, and takes a bit of getting used to. At last Gossett and the listener find their groove for an easy listen. Not easy, however, to contemplate what happened to this precious man whose slave name was Platt. I am amazed that he remembered so many names, dates and places in his journey. The book is a remarkable historical record for many reasons, telling what the slaves ate, how they earned a little extra money, what they used that money for, their efforts to feed themselves better, how both cotton and cane were cultivated, etc.

Gossett reads with good cheer, announcing the chapter headings joyfully, and getting excited when the story is exciting, like when the dogs are chasing Platt in the swamp and he loses them because unlike most slaves, he knows how to swim. The story is told with dignity, no cheap efforts to make us cry, but . . . what a story! Northup/Platt plays the fiddle, so is in demand at nearby plantations, especially at Christmas. He tells of playing at his master's orders, the master cracking his whip over the dancing slaves, and after a bedtime well after midnight, getting them up before dawn as usual to get out to the fields to their work. He tells how the worst masters whipped their slaves on general principles -- not for any good reason. I hope very much that the film coming out makes something of Northup's description of Patsy, a beautiful and joyful young slave who could pick 500 pounds of cotton to the 200-pound average. Patsy would be an Olympic athlete or run her own dance company in these times. She was physically clever, a joy to watch, and sweet-tempered. Northup indicates tastefully that the master uses her for sex and as this makes the mistress jealous, the mistress asks repeatedly to have Patsy whipped. It's great fun for them! As some couples like to fight because the making up is so good, these slave-owners are pretty disgusting. In fact, the master orders Platt/Northup to whip Patsy on one terrible occasion. Platt must obey or be whipped badly, himself, so he tries. At last, Platt refuses to continue, so Epps, the master, picks up the whip to continue. It's the old business of someone mean wanting to break the spirit of someone possessing a bounty of life force and joy -- what some of us do to our kids. Or wives. Patsy's slave-family poured parrafin into the wounds on her back; Patsy lay face-down for weeks and was never the same again. Northup does describe specific slave-owners who are kind and fair, where an un-free life is at least tolerable. He is anxious to be believed but says this is only what he experienced around the Red River area, so the situation may be different in other parts of the country.

I enjoyed Platt's cleverness in that he designed a trap to catch fish to supplement the slaves' wormy pork allowance. He made a curved axe handle which amazed his owner. He knew things! The book shares some of the music he heard, i.e., verses of popular songs. He describes the making of sugar. He could not google something or make a quick phone call for confirmation; he simply remembered!

Northup tells in detail how he finally got his freedom. The book has a happy ending, except the half-grown family he left was grown up when he finally got home. There was a trial and the men who sold Northup into slavery presented a pack of lies and were acquitted. Still happening!

Good read! Lots to think about!

A very compelling story!

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

As an educator, I will share this historical account with future students to make sure they know this story.

Very poor narration-Illegible/Unclear

I regret buying this audio book. I take long drives and use my purchases during this time. Have worked well in the past, unfortunately not for this one. The narrator is literally mumbling and if you are unable to rewind time and again, it is like hearing an outline story. I just wasted my monthly credit on this.

Later I could see another reviewer mentioning the same.

A emotional account without theatrics

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story had a very even tone even though it was heavily laden with raw emotion.
The author had the presence of mind to give an earnest account bereft of fantasism. It is also provided me further education as to the origin of many racial stereotypes such as black people can swim; black people can read it write; and many others.
It documents the truth of man's inhumanity to man in so far as to enslave another one must consider him to be inhuman.