David Fiske (1)

The authors recapitulate Solomon Northup's life and major work, Twelve Years a Slave, all the while providing context and background. Northup's genealogy, working life, court battles, speaking engagements, etc., are recounted. This fills in the gaps of what he was doing before Twelve Years a Slave. All the while Northup's veracity is buttressed by the evidence the authors adduce. The post book court cases are described too, and it is painful that Northup's kidnappers were never brought to earthly judgement. The possibility that Northup may have assisted in the Underground railroad was intriguing. It was sad, though, to realize he probably spend the last decade of his life in penury and vagabondage. Still, this is a valuable companion tho those who have read Twelve Years a Slave (or seen the movie) and want to know more. It is interesting, but not a gripping narrative, so don't read expecting a novel. It's dry in places. If you want gripping, read Northrup's memoir.… (altro)