Twelve Years a Slave

By: Solomon Northup

Narrated by: Hugh Quarshie

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.