The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead explores the adversity of slaves during the abolitionist era in the United States (U.S.). The little glimpses into different characters was enlightening to the era and helps readers see the different kinds of racism that can be present. It was eye opening to some of the beliefs at the time that are not common subject matter when this era is taught in U.S. schools. I felt like the magical realism of the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad did not take away from the real-life system. While I was frustrated by the ending, it fit with Cora’s story and her journey towards freedom.