The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African: With linked Table of Contents

By Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano was one of the most prominent people of African heritage involved in the British debate for the abolition of the slave trade. He wrote an autobiography that depicted the horrors of slavery and helped influence British lawmakers to abolish the slave trade through the Slave Trade Act of 1807. This is his story. "I hope the reader will not think I have trespassed on his patience in introducing myself to him with some account of the manners and customs of my country. They had been implanted in me with great care, and made an impression on my mind, which time could not erase, and which all the adversity and variety of fortune I have since experienced served only to rivet and record; for, whether the love of one's country be real or imaginary, or a lesson of reason, or an instinct of nature, I still look back with pleasure on the first scenes of my life, though that pleasure has been for the most part mingled with sorrow." -Olaudah Equiano

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wilder Publications
• Release date: Feb 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633847064

Olaudah Equiano

Born in Nigeria in 1745, Olaudah Equiano was a well-known African abolitionist. Equiano was shipped to the West Indies as a child-slave, and then to England where he was purchased by Lieutenant Michael Pascal and trained as a seaman before serving in The Seven Years’ War. At the conclusion of hostilities, Pascal did not free Equiano as promised, but instead sold him to Captain James Doran who then sold Equiano to James King, a merchant from Philadelphia. In 1765, King let Equiano purchase his freedom for forty pounds, and helped him earn money in his stead as a merchant. Now a free man, Equiano returned to London where he made significant contributions to the abolitionist movement, and published his autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, which influenced the Slave Trade Act of 1807. Equiano is believed to have died in 1797 at the age of 52.

Reviews for The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African

[le.vert.galant · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Five stars for the historical importance and the first nine chapters, which are gripping.

[akblanchard_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

By his own account, former slave Olaudah Equiano (known in life by the slave name Gustavus Vassa; born c. 1745) was an exemplary success. Kidnapped from his native West Africa as an eleven-year-old, he endured the horrific Middle Passage. He made himself indispensable to several owners, until he was finally able to purchase his own freedom in 1766. Blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit and an unshakable belief that he was especially favored by God, Olaudah navigated several layers of society in the West Indies and England, and even sailed to Greenland as part of an Arctic expedition. During one period of his life, he was even involved in the slave trade, but eventually he became known as an early abolitionist. He married a British woman and had two children with her before passing away in 1797.The Interesting Narrative is, well, interesting as a historical document, but I have to admit I found Olaudah rather insufferable. I found this passage, from Chapter 9, remarkable (it also gives an idea of Olaudah's writing style): "With a light heart I bade Montserrat farewell, and never had my feet on it since; and with it I bade adieu to the sound of the cruel whip, and all other dreadful instruments of torture; adieu to the offensive sight of the violated chastity of the sable females, which has too often accosted my eyes; adieu to oppressions (although to me less severe than most of my countrymen); and adieu to the angry howling, dashing surfs. I wished for a grateful and thankful heart to praise the Lord God on high for all his mercies!" As long as he doesn't have to see bad things happening, he's ok about it.I don't recommend this book to the casual reader.

[eadieb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book Description
This is a memoir written by Olaudah Equiano, an influential African advocate of abolishing the slave trade in Britain during the late 18th century.

My Review
This was a gripping and touching autobiography about a slave's life from a slave's perspective. Olaudah Equiano was kidnapped at age 11 from his African village and sold into slavery. His story raises awareness of the cruel behavior of slave owners and his desire to end slave trade. All through his details, I was amazed how he stayed positive and grew through his experiences. He eventually ended up in Britain and helped Wilberforce's antislavery movement that ended slave trade for good in Britain. His writing is very eloquent and easy to read once you get used to the expressions of the times. I was especially moved by his strong desire to educate himself and his burning desire to be a missionary and convert people after his conversion. I would recommend this book for everyone as I found it a very moving memoir.

[amydross · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow, this was a fascinating read, and so beautifully, powerfully, and intelligently written. Although I know some doubts have been cast on the veracity of parts of the narrative, Equiano is clearly a remarkable character.