The Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to free Northern states with the help of sympathetic abolitionists, has long made for rich stories. Two recent New York Times bestselling books receiving high praise have managed to turn the Underground Railroad into something totally new while remaining true to its spirit. 

In The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, the Underground Railroad isn’t a metaphor. Actual tracks and tunnels have been built underground throughout the south to help slaves escape from bondage. The story follows Cora on her desperate journey to freedom, where even seemingly safe places can harbor unexpected dangers. Whitehead, an award-winning writer who has other bestsellers to his name, is garnering extensive praise for his most recent novel. 

Another book to explore the Underground Railroad is Underground Airlines by Ben Winter. In this alternative history, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on his way to his inauguration, the Civil War never happened, and slavery is still legal in the modern U.S. in four states (known as “The Hard Four”). The main character,  Victor, is a young, gifted black man who works undercover with the U.S. Marshalls  to track down fugitives. Victor fought hard to earn his freedom and thinks he’s a good man doing bad work, but he begins to uncover secrets the government will stop at nothing to keep. 

For these and other great books, stop by the Kyle Public Library.