Book cover of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African

Book description

A first-person narrative of Olaudah Equiano's journey from his native Africa to the New World, that follows his capture, introduction to Christianity and eventual release. His story is an eye-opening depiction of personal resilience in the face of structural oppression.

Olaudah Equiano's origins are rooted in West Africa's Eboe…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I sometimes think of memoir as a modern genre, but the truth is that people have been writing about their own lives for thousands of years.

This 1789 account begins with Olaudah Equiano’s day-to-day life growing up in the kingdom of Benin, Africa, and then describes his crossing the Atlantic Ocean via the Middle Passage and subsequent enslavement.

When I first read this book in college, it was the beginning of my realization that the people in history were people with whom I share all the same range of emotions and motivations that comes with being human. This book instilled…

If you love The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African.

Browse books like The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African

Book cover of Men We Reaped: A Memoir
Book cover of Another Bullshit Night in Suck City: A Memoir
Book cover of Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,397

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vasso, the African, you might also like...

Book cover of New Rock New Rules

New Rock New Rules by Richard Sparks,

The epic saga continues. Jarnland is in a frenzy of excitement. After the eccentric demise of Old King Wyllard, his co-Majesty, young Queen Esmeralda, announces a Royal Tournament to celebrate the return of our heroes from their perilous quest. The Main Event will be a duel between the legendary warrior…

Book cover of Almost Home

Almost Home by Howard Means,

Almost Home is a fictional retelling of the last great tragedy of the Civil War.

In late April 1865, almost 2,000 newly freed Union prisoners of war are packed onto the steamer Sultana, in poor repair and with a listed capacity of 376 passengers. Among them are four Indiana soldiers…

5 book lists we think you will like!