“The longest way must have its close – the gloomiest night will wear on to a morning.”― Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s Cabin

I didn’t read Uncle Tom’s Cabin until just a few years ago. As with many others, I was completely enthralled as I read it. After its publication, Uncle Tom’s Cabin became the best selling novel and the second best selling book (following the Bible) of the nineteenth century. I can see why. This is the story of Tom, a noble man and slave who despite difficult situations and cruelty, maintains his humanity and his faith. His influence for good is felt by many and even his enemies vow to become better men. Other characters include escaped slaves Eliza and George, the well intentioned Augustine St. Clare and his angelic daughter, Eva, and the evil slave owner, Simon Legree. Harriet Beecher Stowe uses all of these characters to emphasize the evil of slavery, as well as its incompatibility with Christianity. This is a powerful novel that still packs a punch.

Content Advisory: Slavery, death, abuse, racism, racial slurs, sexual assault

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