Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Dec 2009 · Blackstone Audio Inc. · Narrated by Mirron Willis

About this audiobook

Uncle Tom is a high-minded, devoutly Christian black slave to a kind family, the Shelbys. Beset by financial difficulties, the Shelbys sell Tom to a slave trader. Young George Shelby promises to someday redeem him. The story relates Uncle Tom’s trials, suffering, and religious fortitude.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin was revolutionary in 1852 for its passionate indictment of slavery and for its presentation of Tom, “a man of humanity,” as the first black hero in American fiction. Upon meeting Harriet Beecher Stowe, Abraham Lincoln allegedly remarked, “So this is the little lady who started this new great war!” The novel became an overnight sensation and was hailed by Tolstoy as “one of the greatest productions of the human mind.” It remains a shocking, controversial, and powerful work, exposing the attitudes of white nineteenth-century society toward slavery and documenting in heart-rending detail the tragic breakup of black families.

Ratings and reviews

This is possibly the best story I have listened to or read. An eye opening view of the lives of slaves in America. I have never had a book stir up emotion in me like this book did. It is a must listen and in my opinion should be required reading in schools. This story could teach about this topic better than any teacher today could. I wish I would have digested this story earlier in my life. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the stellar job Mirron Willis did narrating. First class performance.

About the author

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896) was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, the daughter of an outspoken religious leader, who raised her on devotional tales of Christian charity and brotherhood. When her father moved the family to Cincinnati, she had her first exposure to slavery and abolitionism, witnessing race riots, hearing the stories of runaway slaves, and aiding fugitive slaves from the South.

Mirron Willis has narrated over 200 audiobooks across various literary genres and has won several Earphone Awards for Excellence and is an Audie Award finalist and winner. Notable works include Ginny Gall by Charlie Smith, The Smokey Dalton Series by Kris Nelscott; My Song: A Memoir by Harry Belafonte; The Long Fall (Booklist, Best of 2009) and others by Walter Mosley; Uncle Tom's Cabin, Elijah of Buxton, The Translator; and Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B Dubois. In three seasons at the Ensemble Theatre (Houston, Texas), Mirron appeared as JP in What I Learned in Paris, Malcolm X in The Meeting, Henry in Race, and as Countee Cullen in Knock Me a Kiss (2013 Giorgee Award for Best Leading Actor). Other roles include Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry VI Parts 2 & 3, and A Raisin in the Sun with the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He has also performed as guest narrator with the Houston Symphony. Film and TV guest appearances include Criminal Minds, Private Practice, The Exes, Monk, 24, Seinfeld, Cheers, The Parkers, Living Single, E.R., Star Trek, and Independence Day, among others. Mirron resides and records audiobooks on his family's historic ranch in East Texas.