R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 1/13/2016 + 1451 more book reviews

This is a heart wrenching but accurate story by a free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. His tale is amazingly accurate with records validating the details. Solomon Northrup becomes known as the slave, Platt, and like many others suffers demeaning treatment and cruel whippings at the plantation owned by Epps. Epps is unpredictable and unbearably cruel during his alcoholic rages. Solomon Northrup does not divulge his background to any individual after the first time because he was beaten badly. The dangers of speaking out were dramatically emphasized by this experience. Finally, after many years a man appears at the plantation who abhors slavery. Solomon finally shares his story with this man who writes numerous letters to help him. It is interesting that even when freed his freedom is questioned time after time until he reaches his home and family in New York. Solomon was the son of a free man born and raised in New York who suffered for years because he was too trusting and naive. This is a read that reveals how slavery affected southerners, both whites and black alike. I recommend this read to anyone interested in our nation's development. Well written and thought provoking.

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