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By: CHCH 155
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2023-07-20 12:08:51 |
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We found this a very confronting read and many didn't finish as it was a chilling story. |
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By: TWIZ 003
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2022-05-06 13:14:15 |
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Some really enjoyed it, while others found it confronting. |
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By: TEHORO 002
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2022-01-12 11:39:22 |
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Mixed reactions. Some found the different points of view on the journey confusing and disjointed, and felt the slavery story had been more compelling in say, 'Roots'. Others found it moving and liked the mix of history, story telling and magical realism. Some of the writing was very beautiful and compelling. |
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By: CHCH 400
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2021-04-23 17:59:50 |
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It wouldn't be quite accurate to say that we 'enjoyed' this book as it was a gruelling read. Some group members thought that the detours into fantasy - especially the depiction of a physical railroad - complicated the story unnecessarily and that the writing style was a little overblown. All agreed, however, that it was a profound insight into the cruelty of slavery. This was a timely read, coinciding with revelations about police brutality suffered by African Americans today. |
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By: COOKS 001
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2020-10-16 10:49:50 |
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This book had a mixed reception, some thought it poignant while others thought it too brutal to finish. Other words used were gruesome and cruel but we agreed it was thought provoking. It painted a very grim and disturbing picture of America back then, while the consequences of these events are still visible today. A very sad commentary on America. |
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By: HAST 014
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2020-07-27 14:35:52 |
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Overall our group enjoyed this book. A couple couldn't get into it but after the discussion, were going to try again. We thought it was a very relevant time to get it. |
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By: AUCK 285
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2019-11-13 12:45:35 |
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A grim but gripping read. Showed us the brutal realities of the slave trade - it made us wonder how on earth there could ever be peace in the USA, and how today's environment almost harks back to those times, and we haven't made much progress. The fantastical imagining of a physical underground railway freedom network was a bit much for some. |
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By: ASHB 027
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2019-10-24 15:59:39 |
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Our group were mixed over this book. It was a snap shot into the life of an American slave in all its horror. Many of us felt we did not engage with the characters thoroughly as they had not been fleshed out well enough for us to get a sense of them. The end was left hanging too, which frustrated us after getting to that point. Not an enjoyable read but fascinating and horrifying in equal parts. |
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By: WELL 045
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2019-10-09 14:40:20 |
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Beautifully written, excellent book. Many of our group found it too harrowing to read in parts. |
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By: WHAKA 017
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2019-08-22 12:34:08 |
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A mixed reception from our group for this book. A few found it difficult to engage with Cora on her journey, and others enjoyed it. |
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By: GORE 007
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2019-08-22 12:32:56 |
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A brutal read, but enjoyed by all. |
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By: NELS 007
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2019-07-17 14:22:30 |
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Some didn't want to read it, and those that did felt it was well-written but grim. Most learnt something they had not previously known. It created lively discussion. |
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By: GREYT 002
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2019-07-17 14:21:09 |
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The highest scoring book so far this year. Fascinating history - a realisation of how challenging racism can be. |
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