- Written by: Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Genre: African American fiction, historical fiction, fantasy fiction
- Pages: 403
- Setting: Southern states, 1820-1861
- Subject headings: Slavery, Underground railroad, freedom stories, racism, slavery, plantation owners
The product of a mixed-race union, Hiram Walker is a slave born during the Antebellum South. His father happens to be the plantation owner of a failing tobacco plantation and his black mother was sold when Hiram was young. In a drowning accident, Hiram is nearly killed. Instead, of drowning he is transported to new worlds and realizes he has the ability to travel between worlds. Hiram’s superhuman ability is called conduction. He eventually works his way north, utilizing the Underground Railroad with the help of Harriet Tubman.
Oprah deemed this book as one of the top 5 books she has ever read. I have to agree. It was transforming. You really get an understanding of what life was like for slaves and how their day was spent on the plantation. Hiram’s white father has a hard time recognizing him as his son, it’s not till only Hiram is left to take care of him, does he treat him with some respect.
Your book club members will eat this up! So many great interviews on YouTube to heighten your discussion.
This title is available at your public library!
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