Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, written in the mid-19th century, is a powerful novel that examines the moral and human cost of slavery in America. The story centers on Uncle Tom, a deeply faithful and noble enslaved man, while weaving in the struggles of others caught in the brutal system, such as Eliza, a mother determined to save her son from being sold.

The novel opens in Kentucky, where Mr. Shelby, facing financial difficulties, negotiates with the ruthless trader Haley to sell Uncle Tom and young Harry to clear his debts. This stark conversation reveals the dehumanizing reality of slavery, where individuals are reduced to mere commodities. Upon overhearing the plan, Eliza makes a desperate escape with her son, setting the narrative in motion. These early events introduce themes of resilience, injustice, and the moral challenges of a society built on oppression, laying the foundation for a compelling and transformative story that calls readers to reckon with the cruelty of slavery and the enduring fight for humanity and justice.