Simon E answers “Does anyone like that the author wrote the...”

Barbara asked this question about The Underground Railroad:

Does anyone like that the author wrote the railroad as a physical, operating one? I felt it unnecessary and beyond the scope of possibility.

Simon E I find it interesting that all the reviewers 'got it 'that this feature of the book is an allegory, but then have diverse views over whether that woul…moreI find it interesting that all the reviewers 'got it 'that this feature of the book is an allegory, but then have diverse views over whether that would confuse other readers!
For me the device of a physical Underground Railroad works on a few levels, not least is the effort that goes into creating an infrastructure that might be strong, reliable and permanent, but at the same time requires maintenance and commitment from its operators.
I did not find this was a story needing absolute historical accuracy, it is about characters, cultures and injustice. If the author feels the need to use devices to amplify the themes, does it matter? It is fiction after all.(less)

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