Audiobook read-along
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself
A full, narrated read-along — listen and follow the text while every word above your level is graded and explained on tap.
Reading The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself in English
Best for: B2–C1 (Upper intermediate–Advanced), with read-along support
Reading it at your level: B2C1
Written and published by Equiano himself in 1789, this autobiography moves from his childhood in what is now Nigeria through enslavement, sea voyages, and eventually his purchase of his own freedom. The prose is formal 18th-century English, but Equiano's voice is direct and personal, which keeps even dense passages engaging. It is an important text for understanding both history and the range of English narrative styles.
What you'll practise
- First-person past narrative across decades of a life story
- 18th-century formal vocabulary (commerce, navigation, providence)
- Embedded reported speech when Equiano recounts conversations
- Tap any archaic or maritime term to see its modern meaning
How to read it here: press play and follow the highlighted text as it's read aloud, and tap any word you don't know for a definition graded to your level. Start reading free →
Prefer a printout? Download the free companion PDF — the cover, your best-for level, what you'll practise, and the link back to read it along with audio. There's also a free key vocabulary PDF — the words from this book grouped by CEFR level, with definitions and examples.
New to reading along? How reading while listening works →
Common questions about reading The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself
What level of English is The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself best for?
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself suits B2–C1 (Upper intermediate–Advanced) learners. With read-along audio and tap-to-define vocabulary, you can read it a little above your comfort level without getting stuck.
Is The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself free to read in English?
Yes. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself is free to read here with synced read-along narration — no signup and no payment.
Does The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African / Written By Himself come with audio?
Yes. Every book on The Reading Corner is narrated, with the words highlighting in time as you listen and every difficult word explained on tap — so you read and hear English together.
