Colson Whitehead

A Novel

The Intuitionist

John Henry Days

The Colossus of New York

Apex Hides the Hurt

Sag Harbor

Zone One

Poker, Beef Jerky and Death

The Noble Hustle

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The narrative centers around Cora, a young enslaved girl from a plantation in Georgia, who decides to make a perilous escape. Her maternal lineage is steeped in the harsh realities of slavery, from her grandmother Ajarry forcibly brought from Africa, to her mother, Mabel, who inexplicably abandoned her. Vulnerable and intolerant of injustice in her surroundings, Cora bravely stands up against her oppressors before partnering with a fellow slave, Caesar, to break free. Their getaway leads them to an actual subterranean railroad system, a vital escape route for enslaved people. Their first destination, South Carolina, presents a semblance of freedom but is marred by deceitful intentions and looming danger.

Upon arrival in South Carolina, Cora and Caesar are welcomed by Sam, a friendly station agent providing them with shelter and employment. Initially oblivious to the underlying prejudice, they soon realize the state's sinister agenda to exterminate black people through deceptive medical practices. The terrifying news of the arrival of a slave catcher named Ridgeway forces Cora to flee, leaving Caesar behind. Her journey then takes her to North Carolina, a state riddled with violent racism to the extent of weekly public hangings. Hiding in the attic of reluctant allies, Martin Wells and his wife, Cora barely escapes Ridgeway once again when she falls ill and is discovered.

The harsh journey continues through the devastated landscapes of Tennessee, where Cora is apprehended by Ridgeway and his vicious team. A brutal encounter with a potential rescuer in a quarantined town results in Cora overpowering Ridgeway and gaining her freedom. Her savior, Royal, leads her to an independent black community in Indiana, Valentine farm, where she finally experiences a genuine life of liberty. Yet the peaceful existence is short-lived as racial tensions escalate into a deadly attack on the farm. Once again, Cora finds herself in Ridgeway’s clutches, leading him to an underground railroad station in the hopes of escape. The narrative concludes with Cora embarking towards an uncertain future, journeying with an older black man named Ollie to California, leaving the readers' pondering about her fate.

The Underground Railroad

In the introduction, we are introduced to Elwood Curtis, a New York City resident who once attended the Nickel Academy, a reform school in Florida that is currently being dismantled. When he learns about the discovery of a hidden cemetery on the school grounds, he feels compelled to revisit the institution and share his experiences. As a teen in 1962, Elwood lived in Tallahassee, Florida and was deeply influenced by the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. he heard on records. These speeches educated him about the Civil Rights Movement. Raised by his stern grandmother, he had to deal with betrayal by the staff at the hotel where she worked. Despite being a competent and smart individual, his high ideals land him in trouble and he ends up at the Nickel Academy due to a misunderstanding.

At Nickel Academy, Elwood learns the hard truth that the institution is not for education but a cover for horrific activities. Despite attempting to stay out of trouble, he lands himself in a brutal situation after standing up against bullying. He recovers in the infirmary where his best friend counsels him to avoid conflicts. However, Elwood remains convinced that people will always do the right thing when faced with injustice. His return to the academy's life involves participation in dubious activities. When a student boxing match ends in the brutal death of a participant, Elwood decides to document all he observes in a notebook.

In his adult years, Elwood is now a successful businessman. Despite his achievements, he still reflects on the damage the Nickel Academy inflicted on him and fellow students. He realizes the impact the academy had on his life, breaking him down and challenging his beliefs. When told of an impending state inspection, Elwood plans to expose the academy's corruption. However, his plan results in a severe beating. Decades later, he reconciles with his past and decides to testify at a hearing about the atrocities witnessed and suffered at the academy. The story ultimately reveals that he adopted the identity of his best friend who was killed during an escape attempt and his real name is Jack Turner. His horrifying experiences at the academy bring him a sense of closure and a commitment from his wife to help him heal.

The Nickel Boys

Harlem Shuffle

Colson Whitehead Books in Order (10 Book Series)

The Intuitionist

A Novel

John Henry Days

The Colossus of New York

Apex Hides the Hurt

A Novel

Sag Harbor

Zone One

The Noble Hustle

Poker, Beef Jerky and Death

The Underground Railroad

A Novel

The Nickel Boys

A Novel

Harlem Shuffle

What To Read Next

Colson Whitehead Books in Order (10 Book Series)

The Intuitionist

A Novel

John Henry Days

The Colossus of New York

Apex Hides the Hurt

A Novel

Sag Harbor

Zone One

The Noble Hustle

Poker, Beef Jerky and Death

The Underground Railroad

A Novel

The Nickel Boys

A Novel

Harlem Shuffle

What To Read Next

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