The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African. Written by Himself

A must-read for anyone with a soul... but be sure to have a box of tissues handy! This is the totally AMAZING autobiography of Olaudah Equiano (pronounced OH-LA-OO-DAH EH-QUEE-AH-NO), who went from being a free young man in Africa to being a slave to other Africans to being a slave to Whites in the Caribbean and American South, and through his faith, honestly, morality, and love for his fellow man of all races he attained his liberty in Britain and ascended to the social rank of Gentleman. A gut-wrenching, tear-jerking, and ultimately exalting story that takes you from the depths of man's grievous wickedness to the heights of mercy, forgiveness, and victory over tyranny. I strongly believe that this should be required reading in every school.

This book was an awesome journey into the the mid 1700s. Vassa takes us on a journey from captivity to freedom traveling the Caribbean’s to Savannah. This is a great read for black Americans historically called Negros by the powers of the time. It is a heartfelt account and yet relevant to the human condition that blacks face “till dis day!”

This reads like a combination of the biography of Frederick Douglass and Forrest Gump. In other words, he floats around accidental-like on a breeze, and suffers mightily wherever he goes and has great adventures. Where didn't he go? And what didn't he see in cruelty? It's almost not quite believable, but the narrative gives off an air of authenticity via his combination of eloquence, assertions of truth and request for fact-checking, and his finding God. Astonishing, truly, and moving.

Olaudah Equiano escorts the reader through a maze of pain as he painstakingly recounts his experience as an enslaved person. Despite the horror of his experiences, he manages to find faith in not only the Christian God but also in the possibility of the existence of goodness buried in the heart of the slave holder. A must read for persons of all ages

I want to cry but filling up an ocean full of misery would be daunting. I appreciate the author for his life, sacrifice, ingenuity, knowledge, perseverance, and resistance. Even though his letter to the queen may suggest a push for colonialism, it is a necessary evil for an alternative for the black people living in those times. It's a shame to know you may have died without returning to your native village but who knows, it might be another story. God bless you Olaudah wherever you are. We shall meet one day if God permits it. Kanelechi Emeagi.

Wonderful account of history!

I like this book simply because it gives an honest first hand experience into slavery, not the history book type of account with all its bias. It really touches you to see the suffering of one human at the hands of another. Makes me wonder about the so called superior cultured European and their cunning devices. Love it because it's written from the heart.

A wonderful story of tragedy and faith by one of the first narratives of a literary freed slave. A first hand account by an exceptional man abducted from the interior region of Benin in west central Africa. Thankfully for him, and his readers, he was able to become very literate in English language and writing. His honesty and integrity, along with his intelligence, hard work, command of the English language, and quest for faith led him to lead a rewarding life in an era when black people were extremely abused. It is a gripping tale that I recommend to everyone, no excuses, it was a free download to a Prime member on Amazon. It inspires me to research any rumors that this book in inauthentic in any way. It describes an era between the 1740's and the 1780's. It will be of interest to those reading about slavery and maritime trade.

Aunque Equiano es menos conocido en muchos círculos que el renombrado Frederick Douglas, el primero fue pionero en este tipo de narrativas y uno de los primeros esclavos en "comprar" su libertad. La narración tiene pasajes sobrecogedores. Sobre todo, los referidos al pasaje en barco, la gran odisea atlántica. El libro peca de hacerse algo monótono en la parte final.

Arribo muy rapido, en estado perfecto, un libro super interesante.

The book contains shocking historic facts and the fact that it's written by someone from nearly 3 centuries ago makes it a good read.

Extremely interesting.

A brilliant view into the slave trade of the 18th Century from someone who suffered at the hands of it. Well written and gripping - a most excellent read.