Goodreads-
On this website they tend to be all over the place it seems. Majority of it good though. I see a lot of 5 stars, but there are some negative reviews though. Most of the positive reviews say "its a life changing book" or how its moved them in some sort of way, that its a great historical piece that has stood the test of time but what I found most interesting is the negative reviews. Here's one of them. "I know, I know, it's a monumental artifact in American history, and the catalyst to the spread of the abolitionist movement to the masses. I totally appreciate the historical and cultural significance of this book. No question. But seriously, y'all? This book SUCKS as a piece of literature. For real. I just can't get past how bad the writing is" I find this interesting because this is what most of the negative reviews are like. The never say its not a historically significant piece but either the writing is boring or the story is slow moving, etc. I do somewhat agree with this that ts not the most exciting novel with a ton of action but that's what you have to expect when you read one of these novels.
Barnes and Noble- On this website I see mostly 5 star reviews. For example most of the reviews I see is that this is a work that shows great in depth look into the slave trade and even though that it was not 100% facts it was a great example of these things that was going on during the slave trade. For example one of the reviews go onto say "This incredible book opens a window into the seedier side of American slave trade history. Written with compassion and realism Uncle Toms Cabin exposes the harsh realities of plantation life in the south. Many of the fictional characters and their circumstances were developed by Ms. Stowe from actual individuals." Throughout these reviews this is the trend you see and I have to agree with these reviews when they talk about the in-depth look into the slave trade and I do have to agree with them there.
Amazon-Again it tends that this novel gets very good reviews. On amazon it shows that its a little higher than 4/5 stars. Most of the reviews are positive I saw one bad review but that was for a weird situation with a car ride and some reading aloud and it went to fast to understand, but the actual overall mood on these reviews were positive. For example, "This story written so very long ago, so many of the situations and comments were topical and relevant to the current event of the time it was written, and yet this story still has something valuable to say to people living in our modern world.
That there is value in every life, that hope and faith (either or both) will pull you through almost any tragedy or any horrific situation that cold heartless and thoughtless humans can throw at a person.
It is most incredible to me that at the time of publishing, even the church was confident in stating that slavery was not so bad, that there were "good masters" and that incidents of cruelty and harm were rare. But they were blind and false in their conclusions. There may have been some kind masters but as was shown many times in the story, the slave's life with them was tenuous at best. A kind master's death or debt would invariably mean every possession would be sold. And each of his slaves were as much a chattel as his furniture. It is difficult to assimilate that attitude now. Families were routinely ripped apart, babies and children taken from mothers, husbands or wives taken and sold separately and told they should just forget their spouse and marry another. Horribly violent beatings and living conditions bad enough to demoralize anyone and destroy any hope of kindness or relief.
Only a few people stood out as having any kindness and love or actively did and said things that would improve the lives of the slaves.
The characters depicted, were drawn from true life and experiences of the author and those known to her. The most incredible incidences of the tale are also depicitons of true events and all this makes Uncle Tom's Cabin a story that is worth anyone's time.
Even without those elements of truth, the story rolls along with colourful descriptions of both character and place so as to bring the whole tale to life in a most realistic way.
I am so glad that I read this book. Harriet Beacher Stowe is an amazing storyteller and a powerful teacher for what is right, just and good." This review pretty much sums up all the good ones combined and I have to agree with these. Yet this book is not the most exciting read to me but its story and historical significance makes it an incredible story that everyone should hear or read to get a better outlook on life.
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