In 1808, Solomon Northup was born a free man of color. He grew into a man, owned a home, farmed and played violin. He was married and had three children and did well for himself and his family. In 1841, at the age of 33, Solomon was lured into a false job to play violin, he was then drugged and kidnapped, shipped to New Orleans and sold as a slave. For twelve years Solomon was held and sold from one slave owner to the next. His attempts at escaping were fruitless, if he tried to explain that he was a free man, he was beaten either for his lies, or for the fear the white owners had of what he said was true. During this time Solomon had no way of getting word to his family, not knowing if they were dead or alive or what they thought had become of him.
In the twelve years of captivity, Solomon learned what it was like to be slave. During his time of captivity he was able to see the darkest souls of man, but also see kindness in others. Upon his release, Solomon wrote this recap of his time as a slave. It was 1853.
12 Years A Slave was a powerful listen. Narrated by Louis Gossett, in a smooth tone that made you feel that he really was Solomon Northup, retelling his days and months and years with all of his rights as a free man stripped from him.
What makes this book all the more breathtaking is that it is non fiction. Solomon shares with his readers the good, the bad, and the extreme ugliness of man during this time period. I found my heart heavy as I can not wrap my mind around what it had to have been like for Solomon during this time of loss of family, and loss of hope of ever seeing them again.
12 Years A Slave is a remarkable story. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
Book Journey 
Powerful and thought provoking story.
Yes.
I know it’s an amazing story and true but I know I won’t be able to see the movie…it’s just too sad! Good for you though that you can do it…I really admire that!
I am looking forward to the movie – I want to see it now through a directors eyes.
Sheila – you may also like to find out what the rest of his life was like. Taken: How Friendship Saved a Man From Slavery by John Radanovich. Very good reads indeed.
Thanks Lori – I will have to look into that. 😀
I know the year is still young, but I think this was one of the best books I’ll read this year. I couldn’t put it down.
It was powerful for sure.
Sheila: thanks for your review. As an AVID listener of audio books I’m always looking for ones that might be better on audio than hard copy. You’ve convinced me to pick up this one next. Thanks!
I think this would be a great pic for you 🙂
I haven’t had the chance to read/watch this yet but it’s definitely on my list.
Good – I think this is an important one.
I bought this right after seeing the movie. The movie is excellent but it was difficult to watch at times.
Maybe sometime this weekend we can watch it.
This does sound like an emotional journey…and one that might result in some tears. But this is the kind of story that stays with us afterwards.
Yes. I am amazed how long ago this was written, right after Solomon was set free to return to his family.
The movie is pretty intense and hard to watch at times. I bought the book after seeing the movie as well. Wanted to read what Solomon wrote
I will have to get the book just to have it and to look through – that’s one down fall of audio 🙂
Sounds like an emotional read, Sheila. I’ve heard the movie is quite good too.
It was… I just can not imagine.
I saw the film last week, powerful and enthralling, not for the faint hearted though.
Good to know… I want to see it.
I haven’t seen this one, but am sure to once it’s on DVD or TV. The thing that immediately caught me was that Louis Gossett narrated. I LOVE the way he reads! I have “The Word of Promise” both the Old and New Testaments. He plays John and he is my absolute favorite actor of the entire production. Absolutely fantastic 🙂
It’s on my wishlist, audio sounds like the way to go and I really want to see the movie too even though I’ve been told it’s difficult to watch.