Uncle Tom's Cabin

By: Harriet Beecher Stowe

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

Length: 22 hrs

Publisher's Summary

Uncle Tom is a high-minded, devoutly Christian black slave to a kind family, the Shelbys. But beset by financial difficulties, the Shelbys sell Tom to a slave trader. Young George Shelby promises to someday redeem him. The story relates Uncle Tom's trials, suffering, and religious fortitude.

Uncle Tom's Cabin was revolutionary in 1852 for its passionate indictment of slavery and for its presentation of Tom, "a man of humanity", as the first black hero in American fiction. It became an overnight sensation and remains a shocking, controversial, and powerful work, exposing the attitudes of white 19th-century society toward slavery and documenting, in heart-rending detail, the tragic breakup of black families.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio

Critic Reviews

" Uncle Tom's Cabin is the most powerful and enduring work of art ever written about American slavery." (Alfred Kazin, American writer and award-winning literary critic)
"One of the greatest productions of the human mind." (Tolstoy)

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Personally, I enjoyed this book. The story is a touching one. The narrator performed reasonably well. Did a pretty good job distinguishing his voice for the various characters in this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The beginning of the end of slavery

A very moving story about the brutality of slavery that is credited with leading to the Civil War and emancipation. I struggled with the character of Uncle Tom though. I can see Uncle Tom symbolizing the failing to stand up to oppressors that he has come to be known for, but I also see a man of faith holding on to his pious beliefs struggling to live an honorable life. The author's impassioned call for action in the final chapter for the dismantling of the institution of slavery definitely foretold the pending tide of change that lead to the Civil War.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I finally 'read' Uncle Tom's Cabin.

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

Yes, I think everyone should read it in order to get a accurate account of slavery, not some sugar coated version.

What other book might you compare Uncle Tom's Cabin to and why?

Gone with the Wind, it should be compared to it to clarify the stark differences.

Have you listened to any of Mirron Willis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

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

It made me cry and made me hurt for all those who lived under the whip of slavery.

Any additional comments?

As I said, it is a must read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Absolutely riveting story! Narration was amazing!

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

When George Harris and his wife were reunited with their family.

Have you listened to any of Mirron Willis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am speechless. Mirron makes me feel like I am there in the story.

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

If I could have, yes!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Forgotton Classic that shoud be read

Uncle Tom's Cabin is a very important part of the American literary Experience. It was written shortly before the Civil War, and had an influence on the collective conscience which was an important part of the war. The story is powerfully written and it is easy to see why and how it influenced people when it first came out. In some ways it is overly religious and treats the African Americans of the story in an overly simplistic way, but nevertheless is a powerful indictment of the evils of slavery.

I recommend it highly. It should be read by everyone of college age or beyond. The only reason it shouldn't be read by high school students is that it is so long.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Such an amazing listen.

The narrator is incredible, and Mrs. Stowe's colorful language is outstanding. If you want to read one of the most influential books of all time, let this narrator do that for you. It is one of my favorites now.

Incredibly powerful

Hearing the voice of someone who has really SEEN slavery speak with condemnation of it is more stunning than you would expect. Truly a must-read.

All Americans would benefit from knowing this perspective

In my opinion, this book should be compulsory for all Americans—retroactively!

Haricot Beecher Stowe captures a slide of history not taught in schools. Further she challenges the reader to consider his/her own values, beliefs and choices.

Written in 1852, the attitude towards and treatment of African Americans then is still profoundly impacting citizens of all ethnicities today.

Finally, this performance is remarkable and heightens the already profound story.

A call to repentance.

I won't hide the fact that it was difficult to begin this story, but it did grip my mind and heart before the end.
If you're debating whether to get this book or not, get it. Listen to it. You won't regret it.

Amazing!

Amazing perspective on the greatest evil this country ever has condoned. At the same time a harrowing tale of faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and a call to all of us truly be Christian.

Profound novel

Everyone should listen to this novel and take something from it. Thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking.