Kindly old slave that was loved by everyone but his master. Lived a brutal life and eventually died a violent death. Fictional story.

This was a selection for my book club and I was dismayed because I didn't expect to enjoy it and it was longer than I anticipated. But as is frequently the case, I was wrong. I did enjoy the book and it even made me cry in several spots. It is good to read from a historical perspective and is an excellent story.

This book is unsurpassed by anything I have ever read in my life. It would be a dis-service to humanity to have never read this book. There are critics who say Tom's character bred the typical African American yes man. I however applaude his capacity and strenght to see that his soul could never be owned by his slave owner. Beecher-Stowe had a magnificent gift for writing and her words flowed through every fiber of my being. I can honestly say that no piece of literature will ever touch me as this book has. She is one of the greats.

Great book... on its own, and also in light of the time in which it was written - how controversial and powerful.