Karen A. reviewed on 10/31/2005 + 18 more book reviews

"Uncle Tom, Topsy, Sambo, Simon Legree, little Eva: their names are American by words, and all of them are characters in Harriet Beecher Stowe's remarkable novel of pre-Civil War South. [This book] 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. Labeled racist and condescending by some contemporary critics, it remains a shocking, controversial, and powerful work - exposing the attitudes of white 19th century society toward 'the peculiar institution' and documenting, in heartrending detail, the tragic breakup of black Kentucky families 'sold down the river.'" -- back cover

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