New York Times Bestseller~Winner of the Pulitzer Prize~National Book Award~Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.
Colson Whitehead's version of history, tells a fascinating tale of Cora, age 15 and orphaned.She embarks on a harrowing quest for freedom, at the suggestion of Cesar, who she meets on the plantation,where she picks cotton. Cesar picks Cora, as his accomplice, because he "knew she could do it" noting her spunk, energy and ability to imagine a life beyond slavery. Both of them come to realize that living as a slave, is in essence a death sentence, a life of servitude. They choose to fight for their freedom, fully aware of a potentially painful death.
The author's version of the tale is literal,he superimposes an actual railroad with tracks, engineers and conductors. He weaves a visceral tale of the protagonist Cora, who travels from Georgia, to North Carolina to Tennessee and then to Indiana. This is a gripping- I cannot put the book down narrative, that will leave you crying and cheering for Cora.
In reference to Cora, the author epitomizes the feeling of freedom succinctly in one line.
"This was the farthest she had ever been from home. Even if she were dragged away at this moment and put in chains,she would have these miles."
The book travels back and forth through time, as we meet the slave traders and heroes of the railroad. Its a deep dive into the abyss of slavery, that is both tragic and riveting. This book brings the dark pages of history to light,beyond the history books.Its a searing portrayal of humanity and a vivid characterization of history-in the past and present day.
Other Books by Colson Whitehead:
The Nickel Boys 2019
The Noble Hustle 2015
Zone One 2012
Sag Harbor 2010
The Colossus of New York 2004
John Henry Days 2002
The Intuitionist 2000
No comments:
Post a Comment