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Matthew's Reviews > Twelve Years a Slave

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
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really liked it
bookshelves: 2020, biography, audio, audible, non-fiction

This is a very powerful and important book. It seems like lately a lot of my selections have focused on the dark side of American history - and this one is particularly dark, sad, and disturbing.

I missed the big rush to read this book a few years ago when the movie came out. But I am finally glad I picked it up. I am not sure if I will follow it up any time soon with the movie. But, I can see how this story would make an equally moving and impactful motion picture.

I think my one issue with the book was several times the narrative got bogged down and my mind started to wander. This may just be a side effect of it being written in the 1800s. Often when I read classic books, even if I enjoy them, the style of the writing makes it difficult to stay focused. So, if you decide to give it a try, just be prepared for the delivery to get a bit stagnant at times.

But, overall another important non-fiction story for all to read and remember. Slavery is definitely a part of history we never should repeat and racism should have no place in our society. Learning and responding accordingly are the best course of action to prevent darkness like this from taking hold again.
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Reading Progress

December 4, 2020 – Started Reading
December 4, 2020 – Shelved
December 4, 2020 – Shelved as: 2020
December 4, 2020 – Shelved as: biography
December 4, 2020 – Shelved as: audio
December 4, 2020 – Shelved as: audible
December 4, 2020 – Shelved as: non-fiction
December 4, 2020 –
0% "Caught by surprise"
December 5, 2020 –
0% "Louisiana, small pox, and families separated"
December 6, 2020 –
0% "Bayou Boeuf"
December 7, 2020 –
0% "Letters North"
December 8, 2020 – Finished Reading

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Comments Showing 1-8 of 8 (8 new)

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message 1: by Sarah (new)
Dec 09, 2020 12:06AM

Sarah Thanks for the review, Matthew. I haven't seen the movie (or read the book) either. I'm a huge American history lover. I'll have to check this one out.


message 2: by Taylor Dodge (new) - rated it 5 stars
Dec 09, 2020 04:14AM

Taylor Dodge I cried several times during this book...such an important first-hand account of the atrocities people are willing to afflict on one another.


message 3: by Matthew (new) - rated it 4 stars
Dec 09, 2020 08:08AM

Matthew Sarah wrote: "Thanks for the review, Matthew. I haven't seen the movie (or read the book) either. I'm a huge American history lover. I'll have to check this one out."

You're welcome, Sarah! It is not a pretty part of American history, but it is essential to learn the bad with the good.


message 4: by Matthew (new) - rated it 4 stars
Dec 09, 2020 05:57PM

Matthew Taylor *Sits on the Top Shelf* wrote: "I cried several times during this book...such an important first-hand account of the atrocities people are willing to afflict on one another."

It is so very shocking and sad . . . I can understand your tears.


message 5: by Maricarmen (new) - added it
Dec 09, 2020 06:08PM

Maricarmen Estrada M Fantastic review Matthew! I sometimes feel the same about the style and writing of some classics, but that also gives a lot of insight of how things were in the time they were written. They’re worth the challenge.


message 6: by Pat (new)
Dec 09, 2020 08:22PM

Pat Unfortunately we are not ‘repeating’ slavery - it never stopped! It has just taken a different form now and the West is largely ignorant of it or doesn’t care.


message 7: by Matthew (new) - rated it 4 stars
Dec 10, 2020 12:55PM

Matthew Maricarmen wrote: "Fantastic review Matthew! I sometimes feel the same about the style and writing of some classics, but that also gives a lot of insight of how things were in the time they were written. They’re wort..."

Thanks, Mariacarmen! True - there are some really great stories out there, but the era they are written in make the writing less accessible. I try my hardest to see past that for the story, but I also try to be honest if it affects my overall experience with the book.


message 8: by Matthew (new) - rated it 4 stars
Dec 11, 2020 08:03AM

Matthew Pat wrote: "Unfortunately we are not ‘repeating’ slavery - it never stopped! It has just taken a different form now and the West is largely ignorant of it or doesn’t care."

Yes - very sad some of the things that still happen in this day and age :(


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