decades ago I tried to read this and the language of the time was too foreign I guess for me to keep my train of thoughts on the story. This is going to sound dumb but I recently was watching a reality show where one woman of colour called another player Uncle Tom and was a bit taken a back since what I remember about the book, Uncle Tom was a man who didn't compromise his principals regardless of punishments of torture or death. Needless to say I was perplexed why this was considered an insult. I decided to listen to the audiobook on youtube and was instantly immersed. Narrator was captivating and I was quickly swept up in the story. It made me angry, disgusted, appalled which to be honest I expected considering the subject matter. It also made me weep... which was probably a site to see since one scene in the book specifically, I was walking to work listening to and just couldn't stop myself. How I feel now after reading the book, I guess I kind of understand the reasoning towards using the word "Uncle Tom" as a derogatory term.... I mostly can't. The fact that a strong kind gentle man who refuses to beat a woman, or would rather he be sold off than his friends and family, that they be kept safe, a man who didn't break no matter how beaten and didn't loose faith or courage, so that two women could have a chance of freedom away from rape and abuse..... that he forgave all who did him wrong and still asked for their sins to be forgiven..... I just can't condone no matter what the popular opinion, to use this name to demean another human. I just can't. So I am glad I gave this book another chance and listened to the audiobook. It reminded me to ignore the negative behaviour of others and not to feel anger by them but to do BETTER than them. I will also remind myself to never take freedom for granted. ALL history, not just American history has shown us this. If it has happened to others throughout the world, it can happen to anyone. Heart wrenching story. So glad I gave it another try. It will stay with me.