A review by 2treads
In the Upper Country, by Kai Thomas
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
"Beware a dangerous tale, it is a knife that must be used, or left to lay." –Simeon
Having not read any fiction that portrays the lives of Black women and men who sought freedom across the border and who formed relations and relationships with Indigenous people, I was eager to read Thomas' novel. Add in that he is of Trini heritage and I was even more intrigued to see what he could do with this narrative. I was not disappointed.
Thomas uses a format that is inherent in our culture of passing on stories orally, of trading tales that bind and allow us to forge deeper community. The exchange of stories between Lensinda and the old woman is both illuminating and reflective. We learn of how a helping hand is extended, the ways in which persons flee bondage and are shepherded across into a community that welcomes and shields. We also witness how such a community thrives and supports each other.
And even when violence and dark actions were portrayed it was not for gratuitous satisfaction but to pprtray the reality under which Black bodies existed. There were many ways in which this narrative could have become mired in trauma, as is the history that is being depicted, but Thomas is thoughtful and intent on bringing stories of freedom fought and won to the fore.
I was reminded of other books that tackled similar stories and that were structured similarly and all were by Caribbean authors or authors of Caribbean heritage: The Confessions of Frannie Langton, The Polished Hoe, Remembrance, and Book of the Little Axe. It must be something in the blood, this way of rendering such history on the page.
Having not read any fiction that portrays the lives of Black women and men who sought freedom across the border and who formed relations and relationships with Indigenous people, I was eager to read Thomas' novel. Add in that he is of Trini heritage and I was even more intrigued to see what he could do with this narrative. I was not disappointed.
Thomas uses a format that is inherent in our culture of passing on stories orally, of trading tales that bind and allow us to forge deeper community. The exchange of stories between Lensinda and the old woman is both illuminating and reflective. We learn of how a helping hand is extended, the ways in which persons flee bondage and are shepherded across into a community that welcomes and shields. We also witness how such a community thrives and supports each other.
And even when violence and dark actions were portrayed it was not for gratuitous satisfaction but to pprtray the reality under which Black bodies existed. There were many ways in which this narrative could have become mired in trauma, as is the history that is being depicted, but Thomas is thoughtful and intent on bringing stories of freedom fought and won to the fore.
I was reminded of other books that tackled similar stories and that were structured similarly and all were by Caribbean authors or authors of Caribbean heritage: The Confessions of Frannie Langton, The Polished Hoe, Remembrance, and Book of the Little Axe. It must be something in the blood, this way of rendering such history on the page.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Slavery
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Murder