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apocalyptus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Torture and Violence
Minor: Rape
cakrolik's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, Racial slurs, Slavery, Classism, Death of parent, and Racism
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol, Confinement, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Torture
seniilia's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, and Violence
wordsofclover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This book examines a very dark time in American history as we follow Hiram Walker, who was born on a Virginian plantation, his father the plantation owner, and forced to watch his mother be taken from him and sold and then eventually he is taken to the big house to work and become an assistant to the owner's son, his half brother. As Hiram gets older, things happen that make it clear he has a perculiar gift, and when he discovers an Underground group, his gift becomes the key for success.
This book is beautifully written and told, and I was really struck by so many parts of it. Hiram's memory loss due to the trauma of having his mother taken, and then his strange upbringing with knowing who his father was but always treated like a servant and knowing he'd never be more than that to his family was so sad. And then we see Hiram's found family in the form of elderly caretaker Athena, butler Rocco and Sophia, who becomes a love interest for Hiram but due to her beauty is used in ways that are unimaginable.
I think what mostly didn't work for in this book is the blend of genres and the way the historical story of the Underground Railroad, and the magical realism of Hiram and Harriet's gifts. I found myself confused a lot at times, and I think the pacing of the story also suffered because of this - it really felt like it took a very long time to Hiram to really understand his gift, and be able to use it the way he wanted. And by the time he gets home to Virginia, and Athena and Sophia, the book was almost over and his mission to save them felt very rushed.
Graphic: Violence and Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment
lou_mac's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was also fascinating to see a magic lens on slavery and the underground railway - and I think this book balanced the complexity and nuances of the underground operation beautifully.
Graphic: Slavery, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Death
liannaengland's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Trafficking, Racism, Violence, Confinement, and Slavery
moniipeters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Rape, Kidnapping, and Violence
14awhalen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Sexual content
corngod31's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Confinement, Physical abuse, Racism, Murder, Rape, Racial slurs, Slavery, Grief, Death, and Colonisation
clorbor07's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Violence and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault