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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

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The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

By: Olaudah Equiano, David Olusoga - foreword
Narrated by: Ben Bailey Smith, David Olusoga
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About this listen

The classic memoir of an 18th-century British former slave, and leading figure in the abolitionist movement, Olaudah Equiano. Introduced by David Olusoga, author of the highly acclaimed Black and British.

Kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of 10, Olaudah Equiano's memoir caused a sensation when it was first published in 1789. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano is the true story of his life, from his 10 years of service as a slave in the British Navy to his experiences - after having purchased his freedom twice - as a freed Black man living in 18th-century England. Equiano would go on to be a leading figure in the anti-slavery movement, boosted by the success of his memoir, which became a best seller and went through nine editions in his lifetime.

This new edition of the landmark memoir features a foreword by historian and best-selling author David Olusoga (Black and British), bringing this long-overlooked classic back into the spotlight, and showing his importance, which has been too often neglected, for the story of the abolition of slavery in Britain.

©2021 OP Words and Pictures Limited (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Historical Inspiring

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When I first read about Olaudah Equiano in Black British History I thought about one day reading his book. But life is busy and I rarely get to sit and read. So when I saw this audio version it went to the top of my to be listened to list, and I'm very glad it did.

I thought that, being written so long ago, the book would be a dry and (given the tribulations Olaudah endured) depressing read. I still wanted to read it for its historical importance though.

I was very surprised by the book. Yes I'm places it is dry (he goes on a bit too long in places) and yes it has very depressing and sobering aspects. But the story is rich. His travels were extensive and he documents the highlights.

I have learnt a lot about seafaring, slavery and different cultures around the world.

I really do recommend it, it is certainly an interesting narrative.

An enlightening narrative

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Well written, informative of the times during slavery. Sad in places but need to know as it's part of British history. Britain wouldn't be this wealthy today without the blood, sweat and tears of my African ancestors.

Informative narrative

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Presuming to call a book "interesting" may be seen to be tempting cynics, but interesting really is an apt word to describe it! A truly unique story of wisdom, culture, bravery, travel, kindness, injustice, optimism and faith as well as an illustration of the horrors of the slave trade.

In a classic text such as this there are bound to be some jarring scenes for the modern reader, but these are few and far between, and on the whole Equiano speaks and acts like a relatable and surprisingly contemporary man. It particularly caused me to reflect on our narrow and limited life experiences today (in a time of supposed freedom and unparalleled connectedness), compared to Olaudah who genuinely had the world at his feet. I would have liked to have met him. I'm now going to recommend a copy to my teenage son!

Interesting is an apt word for it!

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What a privilege to be able to hear from Olaudah Equiano about his life. A beautifully-written, brilliantly-read account of what was, tragically, not a unique experience in a large part. Olaudah has given the world a real gift by sharing his tale with us all.

An extraordinary look into history and humanity

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What would have been an interesting and moving, if slightly hard to follow due to the old-fashioned language, first-hand account by a slave of his life, treatment and injustices, is completely negated by the dreary and deluded talk of god and christianity, the dreadful preachy nature of the second half of the book, and the boringly constant bible quotes.

Goes on and on about god.

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