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The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad

Historical FictionLiterary Fiction
Pages
336
Published
2016
Language
English

Synopsis

Cora, a slave in Georgia, seizes a dangerous chance at freedom with Caesar, escaping via the literal Underground Railroad. Their journey north is a harrowing odyssey, state by state, as they are relentlessly pursued by a slave catcher. Each stop reveals a different, often deceptive, vision of freedom in pre-Civil War America.

Prose complexity
10/10

Vibe

DarkEmotionalGrittyAdventurous
SurvivalQuestRoad Trip

Genres

Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Alternate History

About the author

C
Colson Whitehead

Arch Colson Chipp Whitehead (born November 6, 1969) is an American novelist. His works include his 1999 debut The Intuitionist; The Underground Railroad (2016), for which he won the 2016 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; and The Nickel Boys, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction again in 2020, making him one of only four writers ever to win the prize twice. He has also published two books of nonfiction. In 2002, he received a MacArthur Fello...

Characters

CoraProtagonist
RidgewayAntagonist
CaesarSupporting
Mabel RandallSupporting
Arnold RidgewaySupporting
All characters in The Underground Railroad

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Underground Railroad a standalone novel?

    The novel tells a complete story with a definitive ending, making it a standalone work. While it explores a historical period, it does not require reading any other books by Colson Whitehead to understand or appreciate its narrative.

  • Did The Underground Railroad win any major awards?

    The Underground Railroad was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction. These accolades highlight its significant literary impact and critical acclaim.

  • Is there a TV adaptation of The Underground Railroad?

    A limited series adaptation of The Underground Railroad was produced and is available for streaming. It closely follows the novel's narrative and distinctive interpretation of the historical concept.

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