One sentence summary
The Underground Railroad is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, which follows a young woman’s harrowing story as she embarks on a dangerous journey towards freedom.
Book genre
The Underground Railroad is a historical fiction, action-adventure and suspense novel.
Main topic of the book
The novel traces the journey of Cora, a slave girl from the plantations of Georgia, in her quest for freedom.
Key ideas
- The institution of slavery in the United States
- Racial inequality and injustice
- The impact of racial violence on marginalized communities
- The courage of oppressed people and their allies in overcoming racism and prejudice
- The power of resistance and resilience in spite of hopelessness
Main parts of the book and a short summary
The Underground Railroad follows young slave girl Cora, as she embarks on an action-filled journey from the slave plantation of Georgia to freedom in the North. Along the way, Cora meets various allies as well as foes, and must rely on her courage and resourcefulness to survive and overcome tremendous odds. In the process, she discovers a secret system of railroad tracks to freedom, run by a network of abolitionists that spans the entire country.
Key takeaways
- Slavery in the United States: The novel offers a vivid description of the slave experience in the United States pre-Civil War, invoking a heart-rending account of the trauma inflicted on people of color.
- Racial prejudice: Whitehead powerfully weaves in themes of racism, public violence, and inequity, emphasizing the courage and agency of people of color even in the face of persistent discrimination and exploitation.
- Courage and resilience: Whitehead crafts a tale of resistance and resilience in the face of tremendous suffering and loss, creating a story of hope and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Author’s background and qualifications
Colson Whitehead is an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and nonfiction author. He is the author of several novels and nonfiction books, including The Underground Railroad, winner of the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and selection for Oprah’s Book Club among other accolades. He has also been the recipient of MacArthur and Guggenheim fellowships.
Target audience
The Underground Railroad is designed for adult audiences. It is particularly suitable for readers who are fans of historical fiction, action-adventure, and suspense novels.
Publisher and first publication date
The Underground Railroad was first published by Doubleday on August 2, 2016.