Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad
Colson Whitehead
I didn’t know much about this book—except the title and the
author.
And, let me tell you, right now, read it.
I’ve been telling people about this book, and the affect is
reflective of the culture prevalent after this election. Bi-polar. People
either love the book or don’t. You either get it or don’t. You either voted for
Trump or you didn’t. The scary part is walking around in a world where you just
aren’t sure.
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| Atlanta artist Cory Thomas illustrates the strange new reality of everyday life after Trump’s victory. |
There is an underground railroad depicted in the book that
is both highly representative historically but also figuratively. By following
the main character Cora we are invited along the way to visit several dark (and
I mean DARK) periods of African-American history in America. It doesn’t get
better. If you are looking for an uplifting read, this might not be it.
At first it was a page turner, Nat Turner, I felt growing
excitement because I knew she was going to escape, I knew she’d get off the
plantation. It’s what follows that kept throwing me. After awhile I slowed
down, savored the book—I was also afraid to pick it up. Afraid to read the
rest.
It was the very last 60 pages, Indiana that gave me the most
pause. Indiana—isn’t that the place with sundowner laws—like don’t get caught
in town after sundown or you might not see sun
up? But there are also nice Quaker folks in Indiana that will take you
in and make you feel welcome. There can be a little of both. Without revealing
what happens, I can say this much, community can be a place where we can grow
but also shows us the dark side of human nature. We can heal but also hurt.
After finishing the book I saw that in this new Trump
America:
--people will quickly turn on you.
There used to be hope—hope
for a diverse, multi-ethnic America. But since the election it seems like
people want to kick someone else down the line. If not because the color of
their skin, then because of their ethnicity, or because of how they identify,
their gender, or because they are disabled. I’m saddened that there might not
be any safe places. The last chapter spoke to me—that there might not be any
sanctuary cities for Dreamers, that right when you think we can all get along
someone will up and denigrate, belittle, call you out. You might get shot in
the back and the cop go free. Justice seems more and more elusive.
You must read this book, and we have to keep telling people
to read it, even it they don’t want to hear it.
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