This is a powerful story about the main character Cora, a slave in South Carolina that escapes her plantation but never really gains freedom it seems. At times a gruesome look at her and the other slaves lives. What a stark reminder of what being a slave was like for many, this is a reminder that many people today seem to need. Then people need to remember that Jim Crow and the rise of the KKK as well.
This story is not just about Cora but also the other characters she meets. The author takes the liberty of making the underground railroad an actual underground railroad, which was a little confusing for me at times but seems to work to move the story from place to place a little easier. This is a memorable book, I am glad that I have read it, even though it was tough to read at times.
I checked wikipedia after finishing & saw it won several literature prizes including the Pulitzer prize for fiction. While I didn't originally call this a "classic", I think I will go back & change this because to me it would be a modern day classic. This author--Colson Whitehead--I have read a few of this books now & he is truly one of our great modern day writers.
There are no WL for this book and no copies in system but this book will be on my keeper shelf. I had mailed a couple other books by author out a few years ago & wish I would have kept them, his books should be keepers. I have a couple more of this books that I haven't gotten to yet but hope to soon as well.
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