A review by bukolayemi
In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas

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.