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bukolayemi's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The Upper Country by Kei Thomas
“The difference, after all, between an act of war and an act of murder is, I imagine, a question of documentation.”
I haven’t read many books about slavery in Canada so I was happy to read this book.
Set in Canada in the 19th century and with African, Indian and Indigenous characters surviving in captivity, fighting for freedom and belonging.
Lensinda Martin is a young journalist sent to interview an old woman behind bars. They trade stories and pieces are put together for the reader. We read about their names and the stories behind them, family secrets, the fight for freedom etc.
In the Author’s note, Kei Thomas wrote “My goal was to conjure a world that was very close to the real world, yet different in some ways that fiction allows for.” As a reader, I’d like to say that he achieved this.
I love the fact that this book had beautiful maps at the front. The authors note give much more insight into Kei Thomas’ motivation for writing this book, I really liked it.
kellyroberson's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book … but it’s overly confusing and can’t decide its tone or style, switching the characters language and swirling around, trying to make a mystery when it should just make a tale worth telling.
whatwhatinthebutt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
juliajjshields's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars ! this book was beautiful & complex & sO dense. While I enjoyed the different stories & how they came together, it was kind of difficult to follow & often I had to take a pause to remember who was who with which story in what time where and why how etc. Lots of hopping around. I didn’t love the ending but I thought it was beautiful nevertheless. I enjoyed reading about different connections between Indigenous & Black folks & the story of what we come to realize is one intertwined family. Wouldn’t recommend unless you know historical fiction is your jam. Glad I read it but wouldn’t return to it again
thomwallace's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
amy_fw's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
wildblackberrydays's review against another edition
3.0
The premise of the book is incredible and the history of slavery in Canada and the Underground Railroad was my favorite part. Yet while some chapters hooked me, others fell terribly short and the pace of this novel is difficult to follow. That said, I would recommend this book for the premise alone, as some may appreciate a choppier style.
wymblie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
alisonburnis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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
4.0
In the Upper Country is a layered story set in the fictional town of Dunmore, Ontario, a refugee town for Black people fleeing slavery. Here, Lensinda Martin is biding her time, writing for an abolitionist paper, living with her mentor. And then, one night, a group arrives and a slave hunter is shot by an old woman, who recently arrived via the Underground Railroad.
Lensinda goes to gather the woman’s story, and finds herself bartering her own stories, as well the ones she took with her when she fled slavery herself. And in these stories, a greater one lurks.
I love a story within a story and there are so many here. Thomas weaves multiple timelines and testimonies, as well as Indigenous connections and community with enslaved people. This is a really incredible story, rich with characters and different journeys.
Lensinda goes to gather the woman’s story, and finds herself bartering her own stories, as well the ones she took with her when she fled slavery herself. And in these stories, a greater one lurks.
I love a story within a story and there are so many here. Thomas weaves multiple timelines and testimonies, as well as Indigenous connections and community with enslaved people. This is a really incredible story, rich with characters and different journeys.
cathyrodgers's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Very good black historical fiction set in Canada around the time of the War of 1812, written by an author of color. Morally gray characters that were none the less lovable. Highly recommend to any reader who likes historical fiction with plot lines that move back and forth through history.