insa's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book a long time ago, but it really touched me deeply, and made me think about racism in a more mature way.
jeffreywbush's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emma_lynn_writes's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a classic for a reason. Not only for it’s role in the American Civil War, but also in and of itself. The story follows two slaves, Uncle Tom and Eliza Harris, after their lives are transformed when their master Mr. Shelby chooses to sell them to pay off his debts. While Eliza flees with her young son, Tom chooses to stay and accept his fate. The story is long, dark, and heart-wrenching. However, the strong faith of multiple of the characters and the ways they speak out against injustice brings light into the story.
Nevertheless, much has been said concerning the problematic aspects of this book. Harriet Beecher Stowe condemns Northern and Southern racism while maintaining racial stereotypes, and it is clear in every page that she condemns violence of any kind in the ending of slavery.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a classic for a reason. Not only for it’s role in the American Civil War, but also in and of itself. The story follows two slaves, Uncle Tom and Eliza Harris, after their lives are transformed when their master Mr. Shelby chooses to sell them to pay off his debts. While Eliza flees with her young son, Tom chooses to stay and accept his fate. The story is long, dark, and heart-wrenching. However, the strong faith of multiple of the characters and the ways they speak out against injustice brings light into the story.
Nevertheless, much has been said concerning the problematic aspects of this book. Harriet Beecher Stowe condemns Northern and Southern racism while maintaining racial stereotypes, and it is clear in every page that she condemns violence of any kind in the ending of slavery.
charley_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
joy_davis's review against another edition
Narrator ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The heavy-handed Christianity is practically unbearable, but some interesting points glimmer through... Criticism of factory wage slavery was surprising. There is mention of reparations. Some of the depictions of rich white women are borderline Oscar Wilde level cuttingly hilarious.
Sadly, various racist tropes presented here still exist today (blacks are a simple, passionate people; Africa is a country...).
The heavy-handed Christianity is practically unbearable, but some interesting points glimmer through... Criticism of factory wage slavery was surprising. There is mention of reparations. Some of the depictions of rich white women are borderline Oscar Wilde level cuttingly hilarious.
Sadly, various racist tropes presented here still exist today (blacks are a simple, passionate people; Africa is a country...).
virtualmima's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
1.75
Seems like the author's main beef with slavery is that sometimes on occasion certain slavemasters might, in theory, prevent black people from practicing Christianity. The abuses of slavery, the racism, and the institution of slavery itself are of secondary concern to her. She only wanted them freed on the condition that it would enable them to become better Christians.
c_rewie6's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25