A review by balberry
The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr

adventurous dark hopeful informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I've never encountered a story like this—it was original. The promise of a narrative centered on a gay Black man in the 1920s sets up certain expectations of grief and hardship. While it explores many distressing moments, there's also an undercurrent of hope, whimsy, and even spice. The pacing had its ebbs and flows. Certainly, there were times when I felt less engaged. The main character, Baxter, is relatable in his worries and dreams. His journey takes him through many Canadian cities and towns between Montreal and Banff, places I love, which added a layer of nostalgia and wanderlust. The detailed descriptions of the landscapes and the rail journey made me want to get out and see this beautiful landscape. The amount of research is evident throughout the book through the historical details and references that made me feel like I was learning more about our complicated history in a new way. While the pacing was sometimes uneven, the unique perspective and rich historical context made it a worthwhile read. I could see this story being adapted into a wonderful limited series.