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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

By: Frederick Douglass
Narrated by: Charles Turner
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Publisher's summary

Frederick Douglass was born a slave, and it seemed likely that he would live and die a slave since he was uncertain of his date of birth or the identity of his father. But young Douglass promised himself a different future - he would teach himself to read and write, and one day he would be free from slavery. When he was sent to work as a field hand on a plantation in St. Michael's in 1832, his life was so dispiriting and exhausting that he nearly forgot his dreams of freedom. His journey out of bondage was mental, as well as physical, but he did escape from slavery to become one of the most passionate and persuasive speakers of the abolitionist movement and a strong proponent for women's rights. His autobiography, compelling in its honest and forceful eloquence, is performed by Charles Turner.

Public Domain (P)1991 Recorded Books
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Editorial reviews

This is a powerful historical document- a first-person account of the horrors and injustices of slavery. In this memoir, Frederick Douglass, a former slave, presents a treatise on abolition. The book was written in 1845 and it was a seminal text in exposing the reality of slavery, providing the abolitionist movement with a stronger voice. The text is made up of 11 chapters that recount Douglass's experiences as a slave and his dream to become a free man. Charles Turner's performance is not to be missed; his narration is warm and dynamic. He captures the listener's full attention, transporting him to one of the bleakest moments in American history.

What listeners say about Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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Appreciated

Now i have a better understanding of Frederick Douglas's contribution to the abolishment of American slavery.

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Inspiration for the Ages

What an amazing book. I learned more from this narrative about Frederick Douglass than from any other source in the past. His writing is so eloquent and a sad reminder of how little things have changed in our society on different levels. This book will forever be relevant. The narrator does an excellent job of capturing what I perceive to be the essence and spirit of Mr. Douglass.

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5 of 5

What an excellent reading of a powerful, important book. Highly recommended.

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Wonderful Experience

I originally had to read the”Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas” for my college history class. However, listening to it allows your mind to wonder and envision those events as if you are actually apart of the story being told! This book was a wonderful listening experience. I encourage everyone to partake in this journey by hearing it on audible books!
V/R
Ron Brown

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Read...Highly Recommended!

This book was captivating from beginning to end, not only in content but in narration as well. I was moved not only by the power of the story, but equally so by the excellent writing skills of Frederick Douglass. This book ranks among the best of the many audiobooks I have heard.

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17 people found this helpful

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Powerful story

This book was written in the 1850's as antislavery propaganda. It is the story of Frederick Douglass as a young black man in slavery in Maryland. The story follows him into adulthood and his escape to freedom in the north. The autobiography's a powerful tool against racism and historical amnesia. The book provides vivid descriptions of the field work and ruthless treatment of slaves.. This book should be read by everyone as a reminder that the work against slavery is not over. When news covered the French sending troops to Mali I looked up Mali and was shocked to find that today about 200,000 people in Mali are slaves! France was the first nation to abolish slavery and here a former colony is still practicing this horrible state.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating and Eloquently written

I thourghly enjoyed listening to this book. We are in a turning point in American history. Where the US has a President who can barely string a sentance together so it was refreshing to hear Douglas's words. Many of the same resenments are still alive today.

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Very compelling

This is a very compelling story. I was disappointed when it ended. I wanted to know more about his life.

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Outstandingly Inspirational

Would you listen to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass again? Why?

This story was an amazing inspiration to me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass?

The pride that Douglass described after his escape and worked the first day of his first job where his earnings belonged totally to himself.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Douglass realized the importance of reading and being educated.

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Narrator

Why wasn't an African American chosen to narrate this book???!!! It is not in keeping with the story to have a Caucasian narrate the book.

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