Uncle Tom's Cabin

By: Harriet Beecher Stowe

Narrated by: Richard Allen

Uncle Tom's Cabin opens with a Kentucky farmer named Arthur Shelby facing the loss of his farm because of debts. Even though he and his wife, Emily Shelby, believe that they have a benevolent relationship with their slaves, Shelby decides to raise the needed funds by selling two of them - Uncle Tom, a middle-aged man with a wife and children, and Harry, the son of Emily Shelby's maid Eliza - to a slave trader. Emily Shelby hates the idea of doing this because she had promised her maid that her child would never be sold; Emily's son, George Shelby, hates to see Tom go because he sees the old man as his friend and mentor.

When Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852, it became an international blockbuster, selling more than 300,000 copies in the United States alone in its first year. Progressive for her time, Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of the earliest writers to offer a shockingly realistic depiction of slavery. Her stirring indictment and portrait of human dignity in the most inhumane circumstances enlightened hundreds of thousands of people by revealing the human costs of slavery, which had until then been cloaked and justified by the racist misperceptions of the time.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"It is a compelling adventure story with richly drawn stories & has earned a place in both literary & American history. " ( Barnes & Noble)

WOW!!

I was looking for a book to read especially for Black History Month. I chose, Uncle Tom's Cabin, I had some idea about what the book was about. Ms. Stowe, being an abolitionist, how the book stirred the hearts in the North, especially, the North East.
It was very difficult to put down. I finally read how Uncle Tom's Cabin had an integral part in opening up the eyes of the people in the North and shocked and wanted to help the slaves. The story was beautifully written with love and concern for the plight of slaves in the South. I read about the heart break of woman who watched their children be taken from them and sold. I cannot even imagine. Yet, Ms Stowe also wrote the point of view from Mr. Augustine St. Claire, who was very wealthy and lived in New Orleans. His conversations with Uncle Tom. St. Claire took very good care of his slaves. But his wife, was a spoiled woman who had different views of the slaves. It was during this section of the book that I cried my eyes out from the highs and lows of the slaves and how quickly their circumstances changed.
If you have not read, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or reread it, pick it up. The book opened up my eyes to the people and times of the1850's.

Excellent portrayal of slavery

This a very well written and well narrated book. There are a few parts that belabor certain points the author draws out, but overall this is a graphic snapshot of the evils of human bondage. This is my second time reading/listening to this moving book.

Relevant in 2022 as it was in 1860

School boards and governors who are banning books probably have not read Uncle Tom's Cabin. The lessons conveyed in the 1850s are just as important today in understanding long standing issues of race and prejudice.

It lives up to the hype.

It is just as gut wrenching as your history book says it is. I can understand why it was so influential.

As Good Today As It Must Have Been When Written

I had never read this classic and decided to read it as part of my effort to read some of the great old books. It was nothing like what I expected. It is a great account of what the slave environment must have been in the mid 1800's. It is a very well told story and the writing and "language"is much different than today - but very clear and descriptive. And I don't believe anyone could have narrated the story any better- a wonderful performance!

Exquisite!

Stowe' s masterfully written, moving work of art is read perfectly with pathos, excitement and wonder. This is indeed a treasure. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Brilliant narration and great story

This is a truly classic tale that enriched the mind with a sense of history along with a great and heart wrenching story with characters brought to life by a fantastic narrator. Richard Allen makes this book worth buying above all.

Timeless, relevant and insightful then and now!

The depicted Humanity is very telling and moving weather it is sean through the lens of Christianity or the body of philosophy that encompasses Christianity. The wisdom is undeniable and the conclusions are forever based in reality and truth.

Absolutely Phenomenal!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but I can say that the audio book is amazing!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Uncle Tom's Cabin?

The narrator singing the old negro spirituals. His voice is beautiful!

What about Richard Allen’s performance did you like?

His singing he has a beautiful voice and how he gives each character in the story their own voice and personality! He's very talented!!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes when Ava died and then St. Clair died right after her and Uncle Tom was sold once again south after being promised his freedom.

Timeless

Would you consider the audio edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin to be better than the print version?

I would not consider the audio edition to be better than the print version. This book is a classic and should be respected in print. That being said, I would not have finished this book with the same understanding and feeling, if I read the book in print.

What did you like best about this story?

How real the characters and the story line are. It was heartbreaking and captivating.

Which character – as performed by Richard Allen – was your favorite?

Evangeline St. Claire, hands down. He brought the innocence to her character through his voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Heartbreakingly Honest

Any additional comments?

This story is a classic and a must read. It is heartbreaking but it helps to bring some deeper understanding to the darker parts of American History.