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jedore's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
They knew our names and they knew our parents. But they did not know us, because not knowing was essential to their power. To sell a child right from under his mother, you must know that mother only in the thinnest way possible. To strip a man down, condemn him to be beaten, flayed alive, then anointed with salt water, you cannot feel him the way you feel your own. You cannot see yourself in him, lest your hand be stayed, and your hand must never be stayed, because the moment it is, the Tasked will see that you see them, and thus see yourself. In that moment of profound understanding, you are all done, because you cannot rule as is needed.
This is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery with a mysterious power called "Conduction." This ability allows him to transport across great distances, a gift that becomes essential as he gets involved with the Underground Railroad. The novel is an emotional exploration of memory, family, and freedom, set against the backdrop of the antebellum South.
Coates' writing creates vivid imagery and conveys powerful emotions without making being overly complex or difficult to understand. His account of the Underground Railroad offers insights into the courage and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom through a combination of realism and magical realism. I'm not a big fan of mixing magical realism with historical fiction, so the former was a distraction for me.
Despite this, the story hit me hard. It's unfathomable that slavery was a reality, and Coates does not shy away from depicting its horrors. I was often flooded with empathy and outrage. There’s no doubt I would have joined the efforts of the Underground Railroad had I lived in that era.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read!
Coates' writing creates vivid imagery and conveys powerful emotions without making being overly complex or difficult to understand. His account of the Underground Railroad offers insights into the courage and ingenuity of those who risked everything for freedom through a combination of realism and magical realism. I'm not a big fan of mixing magical realism with historical fiction, so the former was a distraction for me.
Despite this, the story hit me hard. It's unfathomable that slavery was a reality, and Coates does not shy away from depicting its horrors. I was often flooded with empathy and outrage. There’s no doubt I would have joined the efforts of the Underground Railroad had I lived in that era.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Racism, Slavery, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexism
mnatale100's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Kidnapping, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child death, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Alcohol
m_rain's review
5.0
incredibly written story! I loved the magical realism moments, the imagery, and the message to remember, even if it's difficult.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Rape
liesbethvv's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As usual I dove into this book head first, without knowing anything about the genre or the themes, just because the author and book come highly recommended.
I was completely surprised by the magical realism in this story and it took me a while to get used to it. Once I was on board with the concept ofconduction, I was mesmerised by the rich language and strong characters Coates put to paper. Moving, propelling and highly imaginative, I enjoyed this ride out of my comfort zone.
I was completely surprised by the magical realism in this story and it took me a while to get used to it. Once I was on board with the concept of
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, and Grief
Minor: Confinement, Sexism, Sexual violence, Vomit, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What if the Underground Railroad had some help from incredible magic powers? Hiram Walker, a man born into slavery, finds his life unexpectedly entangled with the Underground when strange happenings in his own life catch their attention.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, and the book really took a hard look at the lives of enslaved black people in US history. I also liked that the story worked magic into the amazing work of the Underground Railroad without being reductive.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting, and the book really took a hard look at the lives of enslaved black people in US history. I also liked that the story worked magic into the amazing work of the Underground Railroad without being reductive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Racial slurs, Sexism, and Sexual assault
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