The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Written by Olaudah Equiano

Narrated by Rhett Samuel Price

Olaudah Equiano was born in Eboe in 1745, and lived among his family and culture until he was kidnapped later, which began a chain of being sold and moved around Africa, to Barbados, and eventually to England, where he served a man as a crewmate on a ship. From there, Equiano was transferred between many owners, but was constantly seeking any advantages that would get him closer to buying his own freedom.

Equiano’s story, by his own admission, was not one that was particularly different from those of other slaves from his place and time; however, he wanted to recount his story as a way to aid others who were living similar lives, and provide inspiration for those hoping to eventually purchase freedom themselves.

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano was widely read at the time of publication in 1789, and became one of the formative works of slavery narrative nonfiction from the time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662258305

Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was a writer and abolitionist of West African descent, specifically Nigerian. His origins have been debated as some sources state his birthplace as South Carolina. Despite the discrepancy, his trying tale of survival during the Transatlantic slave trade is very true to life. Equiano detailed the harrowing experience in his autobiography The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano (1789). It’s an early slave narrative that was used to condemn and expose the horrors of the practice.

Reviews for The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

[k4blue · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Important autobiography well worth reading; genuinely interesting in its tragedy and enlightenment; memorable & foundational to understanding the modern world

[Lyndon Turner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Moving account written by a self-made man. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I am especially touched by his understanding of scripture and dedication to God. Chapter 10 alone is worth multiple readings.