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Historical Fiction· United States

The Underground Railroad

by Colson Whitehead
Aggregate Editorial Score75/100
★Pulitzer Prize
Published 2017378 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 2017. Cora, an enslaved woman on a Georgia plantation, escapes north on a literal underground railroad—a secret network of subterranean trains—in this Pulitzer and National Book Award–winning novel. Whitehead reimagines history with surreal clarity, creating a riveting and sobering meditation on slavery and freedom. Themes of slavery, freedom, race run through the work. The book has received recognition from Pulitzer Prize 2017.

Book Details

AuthorColson Whitehead
Published2017
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages378
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780385542364
Editorial Score75/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

Colson Whitehead published The Underground Railroad in 2017, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from United States. The book's treatment of slavery, freedom, race, escape accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Underground Railroad among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Pulitzer Prize 2017. Our aggregate score of 75/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of The Underground Railroad lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of slavery, freedom, race, escape is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Underground Railroad reflects Colson Whitehead's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Pulitzer Prize
winner · national
201773
✍️
About the Author
Colson Whitehead
United States
View Author →

Colson Whitehead is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Underground Railroad about?

Cora, an enslaved woman on a Georgia plantation, escapes north on a literal underground railroad—a secret network of subterranean trains—in this Pulitzer and National Book Award–winning novel. Whitehead reimagines history with surreal clarity, creating a riveting and sobering meditation on slavery and freedom.

Who wrote The Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad was written by Colson Whitehead, from United States. First published in 2017.

What awards has The Underground Railroad won?

The Underground Railroad has received the following awards and honours: Pulitzer Prize 2017.

Is The Underground Railroad worth reading?

The Underground Railroad is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 73/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in slavery, freedom, race.

Where can I buy The Underground Railroad?

You can buy The Underground Railroad on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Underground Railroad?

The Underground Railroad is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Underground Railroad from?

The Underground Railroad originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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