Once I figured out what he was doing … writing in metaphor and a little bit of fantasy, blending history together … I liked it better. I had to take my time with this, and read it slowly and carefully. This was a good book about a sad story.
@Leanne I agree… a couple of times I had to look things up. I kept thinking… that doesn’t sound quite right. Only to learn it wasn’t just supposed to be straight historical fiction. I would rate it around the pretty good mark.
@Holly yes exactly! It wasn’t meant to be straight historical fiction…but it takes a bit to figure that out. Once I did, I really came to appreciate and admire the way he wrote the book. It was very unique. I think why Stephen King recommended is because it’s very similar to how he wrote The Dark Tower series… metaphors, fantasy. Except Whitehead based his story on truth … he just combined many generations of truth into one story.
Yes, it’s artsy! It’s got a lot of truths to tell, but it’s not a documentary, it’s a remix. Calling it historical fiction because its subject is historical and it’s fiction is like trying to understand a Marc Chagall painting literally, and then you’re confused, like, “why is the fiddler on the roof?” … just, don’t worry about why the fiddler is on the roof, it’s not about that, ya know?
I loved this book and many others by Colson Whitehead. He is extremely creative and thoughtful. There are some interesting reviews and interviews if you do a search for him online – NPR and NY Times to mention a few. Highly recommend!
Really disliked the use of the metaphoric railway. I also struggled to relate to the characters, I couldn’t connect with any of them. Tried to battle through and finish it but found it so annoying I gave up 75% through.
I have it here and after the comments I’m really curious about how I’ll handle it, with reading in original language (I’m not English native) and without the cultural background. Like, will I even recognize there’s something wrong with the story? ? This is going to be interesting.
I’ve read other books about that topic and tons of books about the holocaust. I went through a phase as a teen. I just can’t read any of that any more. I met real Jews in Kansas City, MO when I lived there. They had the tattoos and everything. I just can’t any more. No judgement for others. <3
Barack Obama recommended, need I say more??
It was one of the better books that I have read this year. Well written and engrossing from page one!
It’s got some really good reviews on it and it’s on my tbr list. It’s on Stephen King’s book recommendation list.
I found it interesting. Not one of my favorites though.
It’s disturbing but a good read.
I had difficulty with the brutality, but finished it for a book group discussion.
So so. Wouldn’t recommend it.
Interesting book. It’s difficult to read in parts and you have to suspend disbelief, but I think it’s worth reading.
Hated it. I thought it trivialized an important part of our history.
Once I figured out what he was doing … writing in metaphor and a little bit of fantasy, blending history together … I liked it better. I had to take my time with this, and read it slowly and carefully. This was a good book about a sad story.
@Leanne I agree… a couple of times I had to look things up. I kept thinking… that doesn’t sound quite right. Only to learn it wasn’t just supposed to be straight historical fiction. I would rate it around the pretty good mark.
@Holly yes exactly! It wasn’t meant to be straight historical fiction…but it takes a bit to figure that out. Once I did, I really came to appreciate and admire the way he wrote the book. It was very unique. I think why Stephen King recommended is because it’s very similar to how he wrote The Dark Tower series… metaphors, fantasy. Except Whitehead based his story on truth … he just combined many generations of truth into one story.
Yes, it’s artsy! It’s got a lot of truths to tell, but it’s not a documentary, it’s a remix. Calling it historical fiction because its subject is historical and it’s fiction is like trying to understand a Marc Chagall painting literally, and then you’re confused, like, “why is the fiddler on the roof?” … just, don’t worry about why the fiddler is on the roof, it’s not about that, ya know?
“A remix” … Perfect description
Incredible book.The NYT published a lengthy excerpt when this book first came out, and after reading the excerpt, I ran to the book store to buy it.
I loved this book and many others by Colson Whitehead. He is extremely creative and thoughtful. There are some interesting reviews and interviews if you do a search for him online – NPR and NY Times to mention a few. Highly recommend!
I read it for a book club. I didn’t like it much. I would have preferred a straight realistic story.
It’s true like Childish Gambino’s This is America video is true. (Trigger warning: literally triggers. Shootings.) https://youtu.be/VYOjWnS4cMY
I thought it tried to cover too many issues and the characters didn’t come to life for me.
TBR
Really disliked the use of the metaphoric railway. I also struggled to relate to the characters, I couldn’t connect with any of them. Tried to battle through and finish it but found it so annoying I gave up 75% through.
I have it here and after the comments I’m really curious about how I’ll handle it, with reading in original language (I’m not English native) and without the cultural background. Like, will I even recognize there’s something wrong with the story? ? This is going to be interesting.
The audiobook is really good.
Loved it
I enjoyed it. Didn’t love it.
Amazing and painful
It took me forever to read it because of his writing style but I’m glad I finished it. It’s an important narrative.
Gave it 4 stars, thought it was very good. I did care about the characters. Any book realistically dealing with slavery is going to have brutality.
Excellent! Loved it
excellent! really thought provoking and interestingly presented.
Excellent book.
Gave 5 stars! I really enjoyed this book
Loved it.
Very mixed for me. The violence wore on me after awhile. He is a brilliant writer. Just not my cup of tea.
Excellent book! Well written and full of facts. Loved it.
i had my image of the railroad.. and he showed a much more plausible, more true to life account. i loved it.
Is it very brutal? I would like to read it but can’t stand much brutality against women.
Yes, but not against women, that I recall.
I think brutality against women is indicated, but not detailed, but there is detail against a man. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong…
Very dark,very good
Kind of surreal. I loved it.
@Ginny yes surreal was part of the experience.
I’ve read other books about that topic and tons of books about the holocaust. I went through a phase as a teen. I just can’t read any of that any more. I met real Jews in Kansas City, MO when I lived there. They had the tattoos and everything. I just can’t any more. No judgement for others. <3
@Linda I guess you mean you met holocaust survivors in MO? Real Jews are everywhere.. & still surviving.
A terrific book.
Loved it!!!