Review of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Literature Reviews - 2025

Review of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad stands as a significant work of historical fiction that imaginatively reframes the harrowing realities of slavery in America. By transforming the Underground Railroad—a clandestine network aiding enslaved people in their flight to freedom—into a literal subterranean train system, Whitehead adds a layer of fantastical reimagining to a deeply historical narrative. This approach gives the novel a dual identity as both a reflection on historical realities and an exploration of their allegorical implications.

Themes and Style

Whitehead's narrative intertwines the brutal specifics of the antebellum South with broader allegories that echo contemporary racial struggles. The book exposes the persistence of systemic oppression through its reimagined settings, such as the medical experiments in South Carolina that evoke the Tuskegee syphilis study and the relentless violence in North Carolina. Each state represents a distinct form of systemic racism, demonstrating the omnipresent nature of prejudice across different geographies and eras.

Stylistically, Whitehead employs dense, evocative prose that oscillates between historical realism and speculative fiction. While many readers appreciate the vivid and poetic language, some critics find it overly complex, describing the structure as "loopy" and difficult to follow. The richness of Whitehead's descriptions may occasionally obscure the narrative’s clarity, demanding close and patient reading.

Strengths

  1. Innovative Concept: The literalization of the Underground Railroad as a functional train system is a masterstroke of speculative creativity, allowing Whitehead to bridge history with fantasy. This conceit underpins the novel’s broader allegory of escape and freedom as both a physical and psychological journey.
  2. Engagement with Historical and Contemporary Issues: Whitehead uses historical settings to comment on modern racial issues, making the novel timeless in its relevance. He portrays racism as an ever-evolving mechanism that adapts to societal structures, ensuring its continued existence.
  3. Characterization of Cora: As the central figure, Cora represents resilience and humanity amidst dehumanization. Her journey is both external and internal, highlighting the enduring scars of trauma and the pursuit of agency.
  4. Poetic Observations: Whitehead's prose often conveys profound insights, as when Cora reflects on the persistent surveillance and control over Black bodies in America: "Whether in the fields or underground or in an attic, America remained her warden." Such moments encapsulate the psychological weight of systemic oppression.

Criticisms

  1. Underutilization of the Railroad: While the train system is a fascinating narrative device, its sporadic appearances leave some readers wanting more. Critics argue that this underdevelopment diminishes the novelty of the concept.
  2. Plot and Character Depth: Some reviewers find the plot disjointed and lacking direction, with Cora’s journey feeling episodic rather than cohesive. Secondary characters, though compelling in their brief arcs, lack sufficient development, leaving the narrative heavily reliant on Cora.
  3. Accessibility of Prose: The density of Whitehead's writing, while beautiful, may alienate readers looking for a more straightforward narrative. The intricate sentence structures and abstract passages sometimes detract from the story’s emotional immediacy.

Impact and Legacy

Despite its polarizing aspects, The Underground Railroad has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and resonating with audiences globally. Its fusion of historical fiction with speculative elements broadens the scope of how slavery and its legacies can be discussed in literature. Whitehead’s exploration of systemic racism challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

Conclusion

The Underground Railroad is a luminous and challenging novel that redefines the boundaries of historical fiction. While its inventive approach and lyrical prose captivate many, the novel’s dense style and episodic structure may deter some readers. Nonetheless, its contribution to the discourse on race, history, and resilience ensures its place as a cornerstone of modern literature. For those willing to engage deeply, the book offers a profound exploration of freedom, trauma, and the enduring fight for justice.