This novel gives insight into the slavery practice, judicial authorities of different states, inhumane punishments for black people. The author also accords to the treatment of other slaves; he witnessed in those 12 years. It is a heart-wrenching story and one of the best classics I've ever read. Twelve Years a Slave is an 1853 memoir and slave narrative by American Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson. Northup, a black man who was born free in New York state, details his being tricked to go to Washington, D.C., where he was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South.