Twelve Years a Slave
Solomon Northup • 1853
Devastation Rating
historical injustice trauma survival
Our Take
A free Black man is kidnapped and sold into slavery and writes his account twelve years later with a precision that refuses sensationalism. The horror is in the mundane machinery of it: the paperwork, the indifference, the professionalism of cruelty. Northup's restraint is more devastating than rage could ever be.
Appears In
Also available as an audiobook on Audible. Free 30-day trial — one free audiobook included.
Kindle Unlimited
Read over 1 million books free — 30-day trial →
£9.49/month after trial. Cancel anytime. Affiliate link.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy a book through one of these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure →