Uncle Tom's Cabin follows the journey of a pious and
righteous man named Tom into the deep South and the escape of the Harris family
to Canada. The novel begins when Tom's benevolent master, Mr. Shelby,
reluctantly sells Tom and Harry Harris to a slave trader due to debt. Eliza's
mother, Harry, cannot bear to have her son taken from her so she decides to
flee to Canada, following Harry's father. Tom is carted away by the slave
catcher, but holds on to his master's son's promise to buy him back as soon as
possible. His loving and godly heart makes him friends and enemies alike during
his journey.
I wanted to read this book after learning how important it
is in my United States History class. So my experience reading this novel was
similar to how I analyzed historical documents in class. Stowe's abolitionist
views really shined throughout, which helped me gain a better understanding of
the movement's strategies and causes. I wish I read this during the school year
because it would have helped me a lot.
But also just looking at the plot, this novel is very
entertaining. I grew really attached to some characters and there were some I
hated like Mrs. St. Clare and Legree. The plot events were exciting and the
writing was animated. This book made me really sad but also inspired me at the
same time. Characters like Eva, Tom and George Shelby made me want to become a
better person. Although this book's main intention is to rally people against
slavery, it also teaches the reader about forgiveness, love, and equality.
I really liked this book. I wish we read this in school
instead of other books in high school because this is at the same reading level
but more entertaining, impactful, and historically relevant. I honestly think
that anyone would like this book but it is probably too dark and sad for
younger readers.
Reviewed by S.V., Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
2 comments:
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is the iconic anti-slavery novel of the mid-1800s. It helped the abolitionist cause and is truly a controversial classic. It centers around Uncle Tom, a Christian slave, who, on the boat he was being transported to New Orleans with, saves the life of a Southern slave owner's daughter, Eva. Out of gratitude, her father purchases Tom. And that is when the story truly begins. A huge theme in the novel is religion, and how the Christian attitude Uncle Tom had helped him maintain hope throughout his traumatic experiences. He references the Bible and Christ multiple times throughout the novel. It was this attitude that Uncle Tom adopted that helped him get through the trials and tribulations of slavery.
Reviewed by Melody S., Grade 11
Montrose Library
I first heard about the book in my AP U.S. History class this year and it immediately piqued my interest. I truly had no idea a book this important existed so I decided to read it and was not shocked at how incredible the novel is. The book really makes you see things in a more moral, ethical light, as equality is a major theme in the novel. If you're interested in history, this is truly the book for you, as it details slavery in an extremely accurate, firsthand way. Harriet Beecher Stowe has a way with words and Uncle Tom's Cabin is an incredibly inspirational novel. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history.
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is the iconic anti-slavery novel of the mid-1800s. It helped the abolitionist cause and is truly a controversial classic. It centers around Uncle Tom, a Christian slave, who, on the boat he was being transported to New Orleans with, saves the life of a Southern slave owner's daughter, Eva. Out of gratitude, her father purchases Tom. And that is when the story truly begins. A huge theme in the novel is religion, and how the Christian attitude Uncle Tom had helped him maintain hope throughout his traumatic experiences. He references the Bible and Christ multiple times throughout the novel. It was this attitude that Uncle Tom adopted that helped him get through the trials and tribulations of slavery.
I first heard about the book in my AP U.S. History class this year and it immediately piqued my interest. I truly had no idea a book this important existed so I decided to read it and was not shocked at how incredible the novel is. The book really makes you see things in a more moral, ethical light, as equality is a major theme in the novel. If you're interested in history, this is truly the book for you, as it details slavery in an extremely accurate, firsthand way. Harriet Beecher Stowe has a way with words and Uncle Tom's Cabin is an incredibly inspirational novel. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history.
Reviewed by Melody S., Grade 11
Montrose Library
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