Twelve Years a Slave

By: Solomon Northup

Narrated by: Stephen L. Vernon

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Twelve Years a Slave is an account of actual events that took place in the life of Solomon Northup, during the pre-Civil War era of the 1840s. It follows the trials and tribulations of an educated African American man that was born into freedom and later kidnapped, taken away from his family, and forced into slavery.

His story brings to life a shockingly common practice that took place during those times. In his journey, Northup, who is a native of Saratoga, New York, and has a wife with three kids, gets lured into leaving his home town by two circus promoters who ask him to accompany them to Washington, D.C., while getting paid to perform at a musical gig.

This trip, which he thought would only take a few days turned in to an unimaginable voyage of deceit and great misfortune. Those few days turned into 12 long years, in which Northup was placed back into slavery in the isolated plantation country of Louisiana's Bayou Boeuf where he quickly learned that the mere mention of his past freedom would result in severe punishments or possibly his own death.

His story takes a drastic turn when a heroic friend risks his own life to help deliver the news of Northup's whereabouts to his wife, in order to help him regain his freedom. This heroic act could ultimately get Northup killed or help return him back home, to his family and freedom.

©2014 A.R.N. Publications (P)2014 A.R.N. Publications

As a historical account, it is invaluable.

I deflected this narrator because God cadence properly matched the mood I wanted struck while listening. The Louis Goosett Jr version sounded fine, but to refined for my mood. I wanted an educated melancholy. The excerpt from this book was the only from Solomons fight over the barrel of nails. All other excerpts were the first chapter.

Great, but...

The narrator has a consistent somber tone suited for a book such as this. There were bursts of air into the microphone which makes you wonder if there was a filter for the mic or the sound engineer paid attention to the recording. That was quite distracting.

Superb compelling true story

Solomon Northrup has an articulate elegant way of telling his harrowing story. With Stephen L. Vernon's narrating, I felt as if I was sitting with the author as he told his story at an easy careful pace, so I would not miss anything.

I was riveted by this important story. His faith and heart are evident. Solomon manages to step away from being the hero. Giving quiet but clear credit to God without blaming his Provider.

This story gives insight into a horrific part of American history. It also reminds us of the resilience a person can experience, in the midst of unfathomable injustice and hardship.

Splendid start and a magnificent finish!

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

Interestingly, this stirring story embarks listeners on a bumpy ride filled with unpredictable suspense, struggles and fiery trials, it’s definitely a knock-out! This phenomenal book blasted off with a captivating prologue. Indeed this story depicts a free man betrayed into to slavery and it bears a unique plot which will stun unaware listeners. The conspiracy of his disappearance and redemption from slavery triggers goose bumps through my entire body. The exquisite characters were shining with glamorous descriptions and flawless execution thanks to the embodying of Stephen L. Vernon. I enjoyed every millisecond of this exceptional story!

Amazing story

While reading this book day in out I found myself keep looking around me and asking myself did this truly happened and if I was there back then would I be able to take it??

Enlightening & detailed

This narrative was comprehensive, expressive and terrifying. I cannot say I 'enjoyed' this historic account, but feel very fortunate to have learned so much detail about slavery in the mid-1800s. The narrator is skilled & authentic.

Wow, riveting true story

Listening it was a little hard to follow along with all the names. It was inconsequential because the characters that we needed to follow were mentioned several times.

I sooooo loved this book, it is a must read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

I did really like that I felt like the main character was completely honest and he was a good man to spend all the hours with watching. It’s a tear jerker. And jaw dropper.

Remarkable!

A remarkable and disturbing story of suffering and restoration. Steven L Vernon is a fantastic narrator!

Great book, bad pronunciations

Anyone from Louisiana would absolutely cringe at the pronunciations of Louisiana places and words! Absolutely garbage pronunciations.

Other than that, it was an absolutely fantastic book that everyone should read.

What a great book!!!

What other book might you compare Twelve Years a Slave to and why?

Of the many audio books that I have listened to, this is definitely one of the most beautifully written autobiographies.
It gives an excellent firsthand account into the daily life and unfortunate occurrences that took place during that time in American history. Northup did a great job at putting his life events together in this book.
The story is also told very well by the narrator, making this a real pleasure to listen to. Cannot praise it any higher, it will make a wonderful addition to any library…