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The Underground Railroad by Colton Whitehead, Anything Goes Book of the Month, Start Date 22 January 2017
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.
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(view spoiler)
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Date Chapters Pages PPQDs
Jan 22 Ajarry - Georgia 0-65 Geri
Jan 23 Ridgeway - South Carolina 66-117JennyCombined into Jan 24 DQs
Jan 24 Stevens - North Carolina 118-165 Kate S
**BREAK DAY**
Jan 26 Ethel - Caesar 166-205 Caroline
Jan 27 Indiana - end 206-end
Breakdown is based on ebook version
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Book of the Month
~ Ruby Coin How to Earn:
1 Ruby Coin for half DQ participation 1 Ruby Coin for Writing Disscussion Questions 1 Ruby Coin for completing ALL days DQs within month of BOM startExample of ways to Earn Ruby Coins: (view spoiler)
Learn about Gem coins here
I'm in for this one too, ordered from the library this week :)
This book looks like an interesting read. I just downloaded the audiobook from my library. I'd like to volunteer for the first day of discussion questions. That way if I fall behind, it won't be a problem. This will be my first time doing DQs!
Coincidentally, I just finished this book. I'm very curious to follow the discussion.
I am planning on reading this one too.
I'll be reading this and will be happy to write DQs
I got this book for Christmas and have been waiting to read it with this group. I am willing to write DQs (my first time).
I'll be reading this one, I am getting it from the library tonight !!! I am wiling to do DQs :)
I'm planning on or at least hoping to read this one too!
I just finished this book last night, can't wait to see the discussions about it. I read several reviews after I finished where people were saying they didn't like his style of writing and was hard to follow because of going back and forth. I greatly disagree! It was very easy to follow. I liked that he did tie up storylines that I was afraid wouldn't tie up. People were also saying they couldn't relate with Cora, she was a boring character, etc. I again greatly disagree! She was so brave and strong. This book made me think about so many things, such as what if I were living in those times, would I have been able to be like the white people who went against the grain and helped them or would I have thought it was ok what was happening. Of course I believe I'd never be ok with those things happening to any person, of any color, etc. but it really did make me think about so many things. Anyways, can't wait to see what people have to say here
I am hoping to rejoin the BOMs in February. Right now I am bogged down trying to finish the treat challenge, and since none of these have treats in the title..... :( I'll be back!
Randi wrote: "I just finished this book last night, can't wait to see the discussions about it. I read several reviews after I finished where people were saying they didn't like his style of writing and was hard..."Randi...I've only read the first section so far. I will try to keep up with the posted schedule. But so far I love the writing and Cora is a great heroine. I am looking forward to finishing the book and discussing it!
I just got this book, can't wait to discuss!
I just wanted to add for those who haven't read it yet, remember or write down towards the end where she talks about someone w a horseshoe shape on their body bc it's a tidbit you need to understand something in the last couple of pages. I had to google it at the end to figure it out bc I couldn't remember who it was about and couldn't find it in the book by the time I finished
Hi All. I'll be out of town tomorrow. So I am posting the discussion questions a little early!
DQs Day 1 Jan. 221. Why did you decide to read this book of the month?
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet?
3. The incident with Blake and the dog house led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm?
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason?
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this?
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have. And was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think of his mistress when you found out she did not leave a will?
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother?
8. Whitehead writes about a "real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety box car. Why do you think the author chose to portray the Underground Railroad this way?
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style?
I've been working my way through the audiobook very slowly so I'm going to see how many details I can draw out and remember to answer the questions. I might have to skip some, but I'll do my best. :)1. Why did you decide to read this book of the month? I wanted to read it because it was a goodreads 2016 winner and I liked the synopsis. I hadn't read any historical fiction in a while and this sounded good. Plus I recently watched the movie "Free State of Jones" which was really good and is in the same vein as this so I was in the mood for this genre and topic, as strange as that sounds.
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet? I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if I didn't like/wasn't invested in Cora's story. I think that she is pretty smart for her circumstances and she does what she needs to to make due.
3. The incident with Blake and the dog house led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm? I think it did help her. It wouldn't have done her any favors to appear weak to her fellow slaves. That just would have cost her what little land and respect she had.
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason? Terence Randall was cruel probably for several reasons. First, because slaves are mere property. Second, I think that was expected of slave owners in the South so really it was very normal. And third, it mentions alcohol and alcohol doesn't usually make cruel men any kinder, only crueler.
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this? I think she did this because she saw some of herself in Chester. Probably also because she just couldn't stand to watch anymore. She actually thought she could hold influence and make it stop.
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have. And was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think of his mistress when you found out she did not leave a will? I was so disappointed and sad for Caesar! I was also somewhat unsurprised, as I don't think that was very uncommon for women in those days?? I'm not sure about that.
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother? I think it is possible. But it is also just as possible that she died while on the run. Just because she wasn't heard from again doesn't mean she is safe. However, I can see where Caesar would want to be optimistic. It is easy to see Cora as smart and a good candidate for a good luck charm.
8. Whitehead writes about a "real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety box car. Why do you think the author chose to portray the Underground Railroad this way? I thought it was neat that there was a literal railroad underground. Very interesting. They follow the conductor to the next safehouse. Settle for a while. Get on again. Wait again. The "train" is closed for a while.
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style? Like I said earlier, I'm reading the audiobook, so to me, the writing style is very heavy. Don't get me wrong, the story is really, really good. But the chapters are mostly 1-2 hours each so its very arduous to get through. I am really enjoying the book overall, though. I'm actually about 2/3rds done and I am really excited to see how it ends.
DQs Day 1 Jan. 221. Why did you decide to read this book of the month?
This book has actually on been and off my TBR a couple times. It sounded like a well done historical book and lots of people I know of liked it. Once it won the GRCA and this club decided to read it, I committed.
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet?
I love Cora so far. She seem like one of those characters who stands up for others and makes the reader feel hopeful, even when reading hopeless events. I am invested in her story and to what happens to her.
3. The incident with Blake and the dog house led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm?
I do think it helped her. Because she is "alone" and doesn't have her mother or anyone watching out for her, having that bit of mystique will keep people wary of her, giving her a chance. I liked her having a bit of power when the time did not usually allow girls like her any power.
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason?
I think he is cruel because it is in his nature. He was born that way. Yes, he feels the slaves are his property, but there were some who were not as cruel as he was. He was overboard cruel, but perhaps that was partly defensive to justify in his mind what he was doing.
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this?
She knows what it feels like to have noone. I believe she will stand up for the underdog and what is right throughout the story. My only question about this is why did he not talk to her again afterward (the book mentioned this)? Was he embarrassed? Was it because she was a Hob girl? Or even just a girl? Or something else?
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have. And was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think of his mistress when you found out she did not leave a will?
I think he was disappointed for sure. But he probably didn't know how life changing it was until he was actually sent away to the cotton farm. I wonder if she knew all along that promise was something she would never have been able to keep or if her death was just premature to her taking the action.
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother?
I think I am like Cora in believing this is true. Because the alternative would be sad and create hopelessness. I do wonder how she could have left her daughter and if that was common at that time. I also think thought if she had been found, she would have been made an example of to the other slaves.
8. Whitehead writes about a "real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety box car. Why do you think the author chose to portray the Underground Railroad this way?
Maybe it is based on facts or he decided that literarily it made the story better. Started the trek on an acutal railroad sort of sets the tone.
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style?
The story is very compelling and somber because we are thinking about real people who suffered through these things. This writing is vivid and I can create detailed pictures in my mind, which makes the reading slower than other books.
I am glad I decided to start this one. I don't think I will be sorry.
DQs Day 1 Jan. 221. Why did you decide to read this book of the month?
This book has been on my radar for a while. Between winning the National Book Award, making the Morning News' Tournament of Books and the author attending the National Book Fest, I knew I would read this one when I could. I waited a LONG time on my library wait list before deciding my husband could give me a copy of this one for Christmas.
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet?
I find Cora to be a survivor. She follows the rules and puts up with a lot of injustice to maintain a status quo. When she snaps, she does it wholeheartedly. I am interested to see how her story progresses.
3. The incident with Blake and the dog house led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm?
Absolutely, I think being viewed as a lunatic helps Cora. It gave her distinction. She avoided certain expectations of plantation slaves and allowed her to grow independent of others. It also allowed her to avoid marriage and pregnancy which may have bonded her more to the plantation.
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason?
There were several quotes about this throughout the first section. I believe Terrance was spoiled and indulged as a child and grew up to be like his father. He had a cruel streak as a child and that was supported by his cruel father's actions.
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this?
I felt there was a maternal-like instinct to protect this "stray". There was also a hint of too much injustice occurring and Cora snapping.
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have. And was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think of his mistress when you found out she did not leave a will?
Caesar's previous mistress not having a will did not surprise me that much. Plenty of people don't understand what will happen with their property upon their death. His mistress may very well have believed that if I don't leave my slaves to another person, then they will be liberated. I do believe it was a common situation where masters/mistresses told their slaves you will be freed upon my death whether that was true or not.
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother?
I do believe Caesar thinks this is true. I find it suspect that there has been no word from Cora's mother. Seems like the grapevine was alive and well in the antebellum South and I would think caught, killed, escaped, free, anything, word would have floated back to Cora.
8. Whitehead writes about a "real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety box car. Why do you think the author chose to portray the Underground Railroad this way?
A railroad becomes a tangible metaphor. There could be a lot of reasons to use this tool: spend more pages dealing with the landing spots than on the travel, to show the powerlessness of the passengers and the blind faith, to keep the readers focused on the main characters as opposed to the conductors, and other reasons I am sure.
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style?
I find the story engrossing and the writing style engaging and emotional.
1. Why did you decide to read this book of the month?I decided to read this book of the month because I had heard a lot of positive praise about it. I also can't help but feel it is an interesting time in the US to read a book of this nature.
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet?
I really enjoy Cora's character. I'm definitely invested in her story purely because she is such a powerhouse woman character. I'm actually really surprised by how much I enjoy her character because I tend to be more reserved with my emotions for books like this. Usually, I'm so busy feeling guilt for the content itself rather than actually enjoying the characters as they are.
3. THe incident with Blake in the doghouse led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm?
I definitely think this incident helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm purely because it made others more wary of treating her in a negative way. It gave her extra protection.
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason?
I think some people naturally tend to bully more than others and Terence is one of those people. However, I definitely think that the bigger reason of it is just that he did think of slaves as mere property and those around him did also. He didn't want to be excluded in his environment so he fit in by being cruel.
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this?
I think Cora came to Chester's defense because she had a maternal pool towards him. This was set up by her watching him grow and kind of taking care of him while he was growing up. What I'm impressed by is that a male author could capture the subtlety of this so well. Does anyone else find that impressive or is it just me?
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have and was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think his mistress when he found out she did not leave a will?
I was surprised by it but obviously not impressed with it. I keep trying to make excuses for her just to put her in the best light. One excuse is that it's so much easier said than done but in this case that does not excuse that she didn't follow through.
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother?
To be honest, when I read it I did believe it was true that she had made it to a free state but now that it's brought up in this light I would say it's probably more believable that something else happened. Either way though I still believe that Cora is a good luck charm.
8. Whitehead writes about a "Real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety boxcar. Why do you think the author chose to portray the underground railroad this way?
I didn't think about it at the time but I was taught that railroads signify a journey. In this case, it is a physical journey from one location to another but I also have to believe that it is going to be an emotional journey for the characters as well.
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style?
I'm really enjoying this book which I didn't expect to do. I was worried it would feel like a task I had to complete rather than one that I would enjoy. I think a big part of it besides the characters is the pacing of the book. I feel like Whitehead moves very quickly which I thoroughly enjoy.
DQs Day 2-310. Do you like the Interlude Chapters about people in Cora's periphery: Ajarry, Ridgeway, Stevens? How are they enriching your reading experience?
11. Did you find the situation in South Carolina too good to be true? What did you think about Cora's job in he Museum of Natural Wonders?
12. "Cora didn't know what optimistic meant...She decided it meant trying." (p 108 in Hardback edition) In what ways is she right?
13. "In death the negro becomes a human being. Only then was he the white man's equal." (p 139) This idea comes up a couple of times in the third section of the book. Does the story show this to be true?
14. "Cora thought the whites would be loathe to give up their freedom, even in the name of security." (p. 167) This debate has gone on for centuries. It's interesting that Cora could and did see it this way. How does this compare to the idea that "freedom was the greatest currency of all" (p 175)?
15. What do you make of the Friday Festivals in North Carolina? Is this a group (gang) mentality acting out? Is this more like the public exectutions of Victorian England where there was little entertainment, so a "beheading will do"?
DQs Day 2-310. Do you like the Interlude Chapters about people in Cora's periphery: Ajarry, Ridgeway, Stevens? How are they enriching your reading experience?
I like to read these other perspectives that the author has put in the book. at first I was trying to see how they related and fit with the actual railroad part, but I feel that it adds an authentic feel to time/setting of the book. Ridgeway is totally terrifying to me!
11. Did you find the situation in South Carolina too good to be true? What did you think about Cora's job in he Museum of Natural Wonders?
Yes, as I was reading I was waiting for the other shoe to drop so to speak. It was interesting how both of them were able to integrate so easily into society. I didn't want them to stay. I wanted to to get on the next train and get far away from there as possible. I felt bad when she got her "promotion" to the new job. As I read on though I see why they did that with the whole sterilization thing and how they were manipulating her. I felt bad when she saw the little girl at the museum and it just showed again how separate she really was from the family.
12. "Cora didn't know what optimistic meant...She decided it meant trying." (p 108 in Hardback edition) In what ways is she right?
She was fitting in and following the rules. She was keeping to herself while also trying to become what she needed to be. I think she was really brave to have been able to be there and live there and have a life outside of anything she ever knew. It reminded me of "faking it until you make it" in a way.
I will finish reading day 3 and come back to answer the remaining questions. :)
13. "In death the negro becomes a human being. Only then was he the white man's equal." (p 139) This idea comes up a couple of times in the third section of the book. Does the story show this to be true?
Yes, I think it does. During life, they were not looked at as human at all. Death is the great equalizer. Everybody dies.
14. "Cora thought the whites would be loathe to give up their freedom, even in the name of security." (p. 167) This debate has gone on for centuries. It's interesting that Cora could and did see it this way. How does this compare to the idea that "freedom was the greatest currency of all" (p 175)?
Everybody wants to feel free and the price for that can sometimes be great.
15. What do you make of the Friday Festivals in North Carolina? Is this a group (gang) mentality acting out? Is this more like the public exectutions of Victorian England where there was little entertainment, so a "beheading will do"?
I don't think it was a gang mentality. I think that the people who went were going for the entertainment. Because of their views, they didn't think they were doing anything wrong.
DQs Day 2-310. Do you like the Interlude Chapters about people in Cora's periphery: Ajarry, Ridgeway, Stevens? How are they enriching your reading experience?
Yes, I am enjoying these chapters. These multiple perspectives do help me to understand better what it was like to live in this time.
11. Did you find the situation in South Carolina too good to be true? What did you think about Cora's job in he Museum of Natural Wonders?
Yes, at first it seemed great. Cora thought she was getting a taste of what it was like to be free. She did not realize it was just a subtler form of oppression. The outrageous prices for Blacks versus Whites and the medical experiments done in the name of research was shameful! It was just another way to take advantage of a colored person.
12. "Cora didn't know what optimistic meant...She decided it meant trying." (p 108 in Hardback edition) In what ways is she right?
Being optimistic definitely leads to trying. A person will be less likely to give up.
13. "In death the negro becomes a human being. Only then was he the white man's equal." (p 139) This idea comes up a couple of times in the third section of the book. Does the story show this to be true?
I haven't finished the book yet, so I don't know if it is true. But I did find that passage eloquent and thought provoking. For medical experiments and research the Black man was recognized as human. When in so many other ways they are not treated as equals.
14. "Cora thought the whites would be loathe to give up their freedom, even in the name of security." (p. 167) This debate has gone on for centuries. It's interesting that Cora could and did see it this way. How does this compare to the idea that "freedom was the greatest currency of all" (p 175)?
I don't understand these ideas fully. Because for me giving up your freedom does not guarantee security. In fact, it may do the opposite. I am thinking about totalitarian governments or dictatorships. Or even gun control.
I do agree with the idea that freedom is the greatest currency of all. We all strive for it, and fight for it.
15. What do you make of the Friday Festivals in North Carolina? Is this a group (gang) mentality acting out? Is this more like the public exectutions of Victorian England where there was little entertainment, so a "beheading will do"?
I found this part interesting. I think it was eye opening to Cora, the first time seeing how Whites behaved when nobody of color was around. You are probably right. This was a form of mob entertainment for the masses.
Hi Guys, I won't be able to post my questions today. Would anyone be willing to do it ? If not, I will post them tomorrow :)Thankksss
DQs Day 1 Jan. 221. Why did you decide to read this book of the month?
I’ve wanted to read this book since last year. I just needed the motivation and since I’d love to discuss such a subject with more people I decided this was it. And I am so thrilled, this book is utterly complex and engaging from beginning to the end. I am 92% into it now, so I’ll finish it soon.
2. What do you think of Cora? Are you invested in her story yet?
I think I got interested in her from the point when she told about her mother Mabel and how she ran away.
3. The incident with Blake and the dog house led to Cora being labeled a lunatic. Do you think this helped Cora during her time on the Randall farm?
It definitely created an image for her which helped her to be left to herself. This was good, because she was not interested in men, nor looking for trouble.
4. Terence Randall is a violent slave owner and will beat his slaves with little provocation. Why do you think Terence can be so cruel? Is the thought that slaves are mere property the only reason?
I think his immense power over lots of slaves gave him the feeling for hyper importance of self. He saw himself of their master, ruler and seeing fit to dispose of his people as if they were objects. I think in Randall’s case his cruelty was due to more than just seeing his slaves as property.
5. Cora couldn't put into words why she came to Chester's defense and shielded him from Terence's blows. Why do you think she did this?
It was sudden for me, I almost thought she would abandon her escape plan due to the injuries. While at the same time I believed that actually this might make her decide to really escape. I think that inside, her being alone since her mom left her, she was yearning to be protected, so she felt the urge to protect someone innocent. Chester was just a boy and she deeply understood that this punishment was absurd. That life on the plantation was absurd through all the inhumane acts happening around.
6. Caesar can read. He was given certain freedoms other slaves did not have. And was told he would be free after his mistress died. What did you think of his mistress when you found out she did not leave a will?
Maybe she forgot to leave a will or just tricked the family. This whole business was just mean in itself and absurd.
7. Caesar thinks of Cora as a good luck charm because her mother is rumored to have successfully fled to a free state. Do you think this is true? Or do you think something else happened to Cora's mother?
Anything could have happene to Cora’s mother. I just didn’t understand how she could leave without Cora.. or how she could leave Cora behind.
8. Whitehead writes about a "real" railroad. Cora and Caesar ride north on a train with one rickety box car. Why do you think the author chose to portray the Underground Railroad this way?
Perhaps it is a symbol of the life they are leaving behind, the rickety old life. Just a thought. Maybe they could only get such old box cars for the Underground.
9. What do you think of the story so far and Whitehead's writing style?
I got really engaged into the story and I am loving the style. I just want to know what will happen next. So I stayed up past my usual bedtime to read more.
Mod
Indiana - end
Questions are from Oprah.com
16. Who do you connect with most in the novel and why?
17. How does the state-by-state structure impact your reading process? Does it remind you of any other works of literature?
18. The book emphasizes how slaves were treated as property and reduced to objects. Do you feel that you now have a better understanding of what slavery was like?
19. Why do you think the author chose to portray a literal railroad? How did this aspect of magical realism impact your concept of how the real underground railroad worked?
20. Does The Underground Railroad change the way you look at the history of America, especially in the time of slavery and abolitionism?
21. Overall thoughts on the book? How did you rate it?
DQs Day 2-310. Do you like the Interlude Chapters about people in Cora's periphery: Ajarry, Ridgeway, Stevens? How are they enriching your reading experience?
Yes, these chapters added a lot of background info and they were somehoe from the pov of the characters. They definitely enriched my reading experience.
11. Did you find the situation in South Carolina too good to be true? What did you think about Cora's job in he Museum of Natural Wonders?
I was skeptical about this first stop and how Cora and Caesar already found their place and they were integrating pretty well. The idea behind the job itself was not a bad one, though the details and the props, not to mention the “history” was also too good to be true.
12. "Cora didn't know what optimistic meant...She decided it meant trying." (p 108 in Hardback edition) In what ways is she right?
Optimistic is someone who's trying indeed to see the best in any situation and hope. In Cora’s situation she was hoping for the best, trying to understand and find a better place for herself somewhere in America.
13. "In death the negro becomes a human being. Only then was he the white man's equal." (p 139) This idea comes up a couple of times in the third section of the book. Does the story show this to be true?
Well, sadly yes in many ways.
14. "Cora thought the whites would be loathe to give up their freedom, even in the name of security." (p. 167) This debate has gone on for centuries. It's interesting that Cora could and did see it this way. How does this compare to the idea that "freedom was the greatest currency of all" (p 175)?
Throughout the real history of the Underground Railroad, a lot of white people actually sacrificed themselves and their loved ones in many cases, in order to preserve the freedom of all. Whereas in the South freedom was buyable and could also be taken instantly just due to colour of the skin, in the Northern states it was changing slowly, at least in talking and thinking.
15. What do you make of the Friday Festivals in North Carolina? Is this a group (gang) mentality acting out? Is this more like the public exectutions of Victorian England where there was little entertainment, so a "beheading will do"?
I thought they were meant to “educate” people against harbouring and helping negroes. Very barbaric in my opinion.
Indiana - endQuestions are from Oprah.com
16. Who do you connect with most in the novel and why?
My hero was Cora through all her actions and determination. She went through such hardships and became very strong and willing to find a better place. She can be an example of determination. I really connected with her.
17. How does the state-by-state structure impact your reading process? Does it remind you of any other works of literature?
I liked the structure, it was easy to follow especially due to the different state regulations regarding negroes at that time. Also somehow pinpointing the actual location of the storyn at one point in time. For sure I read similarly structured books, I just cannot recall at the moment.
18. The book emphasizes how slaves were treated as property and reduced to objects. Do you feel that you now have a better understanding of what slavery was like?
Definitely. The author managed to depict in a really raw way what slavery was like. It gsve me chills and I am curious how a movie would manage to show it.
19. Why do you think the author chose to portray a literal railroad? How did this aspect of magical realism impact your concept of how the real underground railroad worked?
It helped a lot because the roles of the people were clear this way. I know in reality this was an undercover metaphor of the structure of safehouses, language used and people' roles.
20. Does The Underground Railroad change the way you look at the history of America, especially in the time of slavery and abolitionism?
Yes, it added spice and horrors to the image I had in mind. The violence and massacres were unimaginable.
21. Overall thoughts on the book? How did you rate it?
5 stars, one of the best books I've read about slavery in America.
Jan 27Indiana - end
Questions are from Oprah.com
16. Who do you connect with most in the novel and why?
I could really appreciate Cora and how she persevered through everything she went through. But the chapter I really liked was the short little one on Mabel, her mother. I enjoyed finding out what happened to her and why she was never caught or heard from again.
17. How does the state-by-state structure impact your reading process? Does it remind you of any other works of literature?
I liked how it was set up with state by state. It was interesting how each state was different than the others. I really liked the side character chapters too, though. I thought they were great.
18. The book emphasizes how slaves were treated as property and reduced to objects. Do you feel that you now have a better understanding of what slavery was like?
I can begin to think I can imagine what it was like for those people. I think it was graphic and hard to read at times, which makes me think it was much worse than anything I could picture.
19. Why do you think the author chose to portray a literal railroad? How did this aspect of magical realism impact your concept of how the real underground railroad worked?
I think he chose it because it allowed him to focus on the people and places aspect of the novel. It was very tense for me to read those scenes.
20. Does The Underground Railroad change the way you look at the history of America, especially in the time of slavery and abolitionism?
Yes, it makes me want to learn more. It makes me feel sorry for people living at that time who were powerless to stop these things from happening.
21. Overall thoughts on the book? How did you rate it?
I rated it 4 stars. I enjoyed it a lot. I did think the ending was a little abrupt, but did leave a dash of hope.
Thanks to the people who hosted this book read. It was great.
This topic is to discuss The Underground Railroad by Colton Whitehead. Be prepared for spoilers!
Synopsis:
Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia. Life is hellish for all the slaves but especially bad for Cora; an outcast even among her fellow Africans, she is coming into womanhood - where even greater pain awaits. When Caesar, a recent arrival from Virginia, tells her about the Underground Railroad, they decide to take a terrifying risk and escape. Matters do not go as planned and, though they manage to find a station and head north, they are being hunted.
In Whitehead's ingenious conception, the Underground Railroad is no mere metaphor - engineers and conductors operate a secret network of tracks and tunnels beneath the Southern soil. Cora and Caesar's first stop is South Carolina, in a city that initially seems like a haven - but the city's placid surface masks an insidious scheme designed for its black denizens. Even worse: Ridgeway, the relentless slave catcher, is close on their heels. Forced to flee again, Cora embarks on a harrowing flight, state by state, seeking true freedom.
As Whitehead brilliantly re-creates the unique terrors for black people in the pre-Civil War era, his narrative seamlessly weaves the saga of America from the brutal importation of Africans to the unfulfilled promises of the present day. The Underground Railroad is at once a kinetic adventure tale of one woman's ferocious will to escape the horrors of bondage and a shattering, powerful meditation on the history we all share.