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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
12 Years A Slave summary
Solomon Northup
Brief summary
12 Years A Slave tells the powerful true story of Solomon Northup, a free Black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 19th century. It illuminates the horrors of slavery and the strength of the human spirit.
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12 Years A Slave
Summary of key ideas
A Brutal Abduction
In 12 Years A Slave, Solomon Northup, a free African American living in New York, details his horrific experience of being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Living a peaceful life with his wife and children, Solomon was approached by two men offering a lucrative job in Washington D.C. Lured by the prospect, he travels with them, only to be drugged, chained, and sold into Southern slavery.
He wakes up to find himself shackled in a slave pen devoid of all human rights that he was once entitled to. A slave identity, Platt, was thrust upon him, and efforts to declare his free status were met with brutal whippings. Solomon was sold to William Ford, a kind-hearted master, whose inability to protect him landed him in the ruthless hands of John Tibeats.
A Fight for Survival
Under Tibeats, the days grew harsher. Life at the cotton plantation was marked by cruel punishments for minor errors. Solomon's talent as a handyman and an ability to perform various tasks saved him from Tibeats's worst abuses. A violent altercation with Tibeats led Solomon to another owner, Edwin Epps, known for his brutal and abusive nature.
For the next ten years, under Epps's rule, Solomon encountered and witnessed various forms of physical and psychological atrocities. Despite the hardships, he managed to maintain his dignity, often finding solace in his fellow slaves, particularly Patsey, who endured ceaseless abuse from Epps and his wife.
Rekindling Hope
Amidst the cruelty, Solomon never let his hope of freedom wane. And an opportunity emerged when a Canadian carpenter named Samuel Bass arrived at the plantation. Solomon noticed the man's anti-slavery stance and decided to take a significant risk. He confided in Bass detailing his past and his free status, pleading for his help in contacting his family back in New York.
Bass, moved by Solomon's plight, agreed to help. He wrote and sent letters to the Northups, initiating a rescue mission that would finally bring an end to Solomon's 12-year ordeal. As they awaited responses, Solomon and Bass had to act cautiously to not raise any suspicion which could put their lives at risk.
The Return to Freedom
Back in New York, the Northups had never given up on Solomon. When they received Bass's letter, they promptly sought legal help. Amidst significant legal hurdles, Solomon's friends from New York managed to secure Solomon’s freedom in January 1853. This marked the end of Solomon's long and agonizing odyssey from freedom to slavery and back to freedom.
In the concluding part of 12 Years A Slave, Solomon recounts his return to his family and the bittersweet relief he felt. The book ends on a sobering note, reflecting on the horrors of the institution of slavery and the lifelong trauma endured by millions of African-Americans. Above all, it serves as a testimonial to the unyielding spirit of humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity.
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What is 12 Years A Slave about?
12 Years a Slave is a powerful memoir by Solomon Northup. The book tells the harrowing story of Northup's kidnapping and subsequent enslavement for 12 years in the antebellum United States. Through his vivid accounts, readers gain a firsthand understanding of the brutal realities of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit. It is an eye-opening and important read.
Who should read 12 Years A Slave?
- Readers seeking a firsthand account of slavery and its impact on individuals
- History enthusiasts interested in understanding the realities of the antebellum South
- Those looking to gain a deeper understanding of racial inequality and social justice issues
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