David Patrikarakos David Patrikarakos

A parable of good and evil

Colson Whitehead’s novel tells the stirring story of the secret routes and safe houses through which some 19th-century slaves managed to reach the free states and Canada

  • The Underground Railroad

    Colson Whitehead

    Fleet, pp. 320

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Toby Young

Why won’t Chris Packham have a real debate on climate?

Toby Young
From the magazine
On Sunday, the BBC did something unusual. It invited Luke Johnson, a climate contrarian, to join a panel with Laura Kuenssberg to discuss net zero. As followers of this debate will know, the BBC’s editorial policy unit issued guidance to staff in 2018 saying: ‘As climate change is accepted as happening, you do not need

Because you read about book review

Also by David Patrikarakos

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in