The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
a book review
By Kashae Foster, 11th grade, August 24, 2004

Slave narratives such as The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano should be mandatory reading because they are one of the least referenced forms of literature. In school, students are taught of the history of America. Often the stories of the slaves who worked the land are omitted. Olaudah’s story is a true account that shows the cruelty and severity of the slave trade. Because Equiano’s autobiography is well-written and description, readers feel as though they are experiencing the ordeal themselves. It is time these stories are told and shared.

In Equiano’s story, the reader learns of the hardships of the African slave on his way to America. Equiano enlightens the reader by not holding back in sharing the conditions of the holds under the deck. He describes the stench of the rotting bodies and decaying wastes. Many slaves became ill from the heat and smell. He tells of horrible scenes of violence and chaos: “The shrieks of the women, and the screams of the dying, render the whole a scene of horror almost inconceivable.” Students should know what these people experienced.

The story of Olaudah Equiano is also a success story. Equiano worked his way from slavery to being an author whose work is one of the most celebrated slave narratives. He bought his freedom and made something of himself. This story inspires readers to go after dreams. Equiano did not let his situation get the better of him. Hearing his story will help inspire students never to give up in reaching their goals and dreams.

In summary, The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano should be mandatory reading for students. Over all, it describes the conditions of the slaves on the slave ships of the Middle Passage. This story inspires and informs the reader. Equiano’s story is enlightening and opens the door for the inclusion of other slave narratives in the curriculum.

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