Twelve Years a Slave discussion

12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup is an extraordinary true story about himself, Solomon Northup. Solomon grew up a free black man in upstate New York when suddenly he was drugged and kidnapped in Washington City in 1841 by two businessmen. He was then sold into slavery and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana. During his time in Washington City he describes the details of slave markets and how the people were treated there. After he was unwillingly taken to Virginia he was stripped of any identifying documents and beaten into submission. He was eventually shipped over seas to be sold to a cotton plantation and there he was freed through fortuitous combinations of events in 1853 and reunited with his family. Shortly upon his return to New York he decided to write his story to show that slavery is wicked and that it is not "good for the Negro". While the modern reader may find Northup's early 19th century writing style a bit of a challenge, this book is so interesting that it doesn't matter. From the title of this book to the last word it kept me on edge. His matter-of-fact delivery - as if her were testifying in court - stands in such stark contrast to the daily terrors he describes that it makes the story that much more moving and gut-wrenching. For someone who loves reading about the past and history, this is the perfect book for you!