As you examine the summary of the story, please do keep in mind that it is nearly impossible to examine the work without studying its historical context.  I think that a summary of the basic storyline is completely contingent on what Stowe was trying to do at the time of writing.  The issue of slavery had begun to emerge as the defining element in the North and South distinction.  Stowe's composition of slave reality enraged the North, galvanizing them into action against slavery.  It also enraged the South, galvanizing them into action against Stowe.  The idea of slavery as a setting and backdrop to the action in the book cannot be separated from what it meant as a political statement in the ongoing battle between North and South and laying the groundwork for the Civil War.  When reading over the summary of the book, I would keep this in mind in terms of being able to assess both its impact and overall meaning to American History and Literature.

I could reiterate what already appears here on eNotes, but why mess with greatness? There is a terrific summary at the link below.

When this novel was written, it was second in popularity to the Bible! It tells the story of three slaves - Tom, Eliza and George - and was so powerful at the time that it had an immense influence on the abolitionist movement in the United States.

You can get a summary of the novel, an analysis of the characters and themes at the link below as well.