Colson Whitehead Knihy

Cora je otrokyně na bavlníkové plantáži, kde lidé žijí v příšerných podmínkách. Vede se jí ještě o něco hůř než ostatním, odvrhla ji i černošská vesnice. Caesar, otrok, kterého páni nedávno přikoupili, vypráví Coře o podzemní železnici a přesvědčí ji k riskantnímu útěku na sever. Ve Whiteheadově pojetí nepředstavuje Podzemní železnice jen historický krycí název pro síť tajných cest, dráha tu získává i fyzickou podobu. Strojvůdci skutečně obsluhují ilegální podzemní tratě a tunely. Coru a Caesara odváží na sever zchátralý nákladní vagon, který hluboko pod povrchem země s námahou táhne parní lokomotiva. Whitehead mistrně vykresluje formy násilí páchaného na černoších v období před občanskou válkou a jeho vyprávění postupně přerůstá ve velkou americkou ságu. Podzemní železnice nevypráví jen o zoufalém odhodlání jedné ženy, která touží uniknout hrůzám otroctví, nabízí nám i působivou reflexi dějin.

Dystopický thriller Zóna Jedna z r. 2011 se z Whiteheadovy tvorby výrazně žánrově vymyká. Tématem je virus, který nakažené jedince proměnil z 99 procent v masožravé skely a v 1 procento netečných bloudů. Veškerá civilizace se zhroutila, ale „lidé“ přežili a pouštějí se do její obnovy. Děj se s mnoha odbočkami do minulosti odehrává během tří dnů, během kterých si Mark Spitz a jeho „čističi“ berou zpět části Manhattanu. Ale nějak se to zvrtne… Kromě toho, že román představuje moderní civilizaci v její ubohosti, je také autorovou poctou mistru horroru Stephenu Kingovi, sci-fi Isaacu Asimovovi a režiséru Georgi A. Romerovi. V knize se střídá několik žánrů a stylů – od filosofické eseje po brutální střílečky, od příručky na přežití po cynicky humorné vyprávění. Někteří kritici právě kvůli tomu přirovnali způsob, jakým je kniha napsána k „randění intelektuála s pornohvězdou“. „Na světě byla spousta věcí, která si zasloužila zůstat mrtvá, a přesto po něm dál chodila.“ Román dvojnásobného držitele Pulitzerovy ceny za beletrii (2017 a 2020) Colsona Whiteheada (nar. 6. 11. 1969 v New Yorku).

Winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this narrative unfolds as the Civil Rights movement begins to touch the black enclave of Frenchtown in segregated Tallahassee. Elwood Curtis, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s belief that he is “as good as anyone,” navigates life as a high school senior, raised by his grandmother after being abandoned by his parents. However, one innocent mistake leads to his sentencing at the Nickel Academy, a juvenile reformatory that claims to provide “physical, intellectual and moral training” to help boys become “honorable and honest men.” In stark contrast, the reality of Nickel Academy is a nightmarish environment. Elwood clings to Dr. King’s message of love amidst adversity, while his friend Turner believes that survival requires cunning and avoidance of trouble. The clash between Elwood’s ideals and Turner’s pragmatism culminates in a decision with lasting consequences. Their experiences at Nickel Academy, shaped by the brutal realities of Jim Crow, will forever alter their lives. The story is rooted in the true history of a Florida reform school that operated for over a century, impacting the lives of countless children.

Cora is a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia. When Caesar, a recent arrival from Virginia, tells her about the Underground Railroad, they decide to take a terrifying risk and escape. Though they manage to find a station and head north, they are being hunted. Their first stop is South Carolina, in a city that initially seems like a haven. But the city's placid surface masks an insidious scheme designed for its black denizens. And even worse: Ridgeway, the relentless slave catcher, is close on their heels. Forced to flee again, Cora embarks on a harrowing flight, state by state, seeking true freedom

Colson Whitehead, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, presents a captivating novel set in 1970s New York, depicting Harlem's vibrant yet gritty landscape. This darkly humorous story explores the challenges of urban life while delving into the deeper themes of family and connection.

Pure shimmering brilliance...One of the funniest books I've ever read' Gary Shteyngart

Ray Carney appears to be an upstanding furniture salesman on 125th Street, striving to provide for his family as they await their second child. While he presents a facade of normalcy, few know he comes from a lineage of crooks, and his life is filled with cracks that are widening. Financial strain pushes him to accept the occasional stolen goods from his cousin Freddie, who soon involves Ray in a heist targeting the Hotel Theresa. When the robbery goes awry, Ray finds himself catering to a dangerous clientele, including corrupt cops and local criminals. This dual existence forces him to confront the reality of power dynamics in Harlem. As Ray juggles his responsibilities to survive, he must also protect his cousin and maintain his reputation as a reliable furniture dealer. The narrative unfolds in a richly depicted Harlem of the early 1960s, blending elements of family saga, crime, and social commentary on race and power. Ultimately, it serves as a love letter to Harlem, showcasing the complexities of identity and morality. This captivating tale is a testament to the skill of its Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

In a dazzlingly original work of nonfiction, award-winning novelist Colson Whitehead captures the exuberance, chaos, promise, and heartbreak of New York. This literary love song enchants anyone who has lived in or visited this iconic American city. Through a series of vignettes, meditations, and personal memories, Whitehead evokes the city’s inner and outer landscapes. He conveys the feelings of longtime residents and newcomers alike, portraying those who have conquered its challenges and those who struggle against its cruelties. His style mirrors New York’s multilayered essence, seamlessly shifting between third, first, and second person to weave individual voices into a jazzy composition that reflects the city’s experience. From a humorous take on arriving in New York for the first time to a lyrical meditation on how an unexpected rain shower transforms the city, Whitehead explores the ferocious battle of commuting and captures the plaintive notes of the lonely and dispossessed. He also highlights magical moments when the city seems to speak directly to you, inviting you to embrace its rhythms. This remarkable portrait of life in the big city is an unparalleled tribute to New York and a compelling introduction to one of today’s most exciting writers.

The marvellously inventive, genre-bending, noir-inflected debut novel from the author of The Underground Railroad.

A brilliant, witty, and subtle novel, written in a most engaging style, with tremendous aptness of language and command of plot New York Review of Books

From the author of "The Intuitionist" comes a retelling of the legend of John Henry that sweeps across generations and cultures in a stunning, hilarious, and unsettling portrait of American society.

Imagine what a dictionary might look like about thirty years hence, when all of the world's problems are solved and our current dictionaries are a distant memory. Dave Eggers, Jonathan Safran Foer and Nicole Krauss have lined up an incredible array of writers to bring you that futuristic dictionary and a vision of the world as it might be. Think of it as a dictionary of language for describing what the future could look like a dictionary that is both useful and romantic, hopeful and necessary, pragmatic and idealistic, and frequently funny. This is science fiction but with a difference.

EVERY GOOD BOOK CONTAINS A WORLD FAR DEEPER than the surface of its pages. The characters and its world come alive, and even after the last page of the book is closed, the story still lives on, inciting questions and curiosity. Conversation Starters is peppered with questions designed to bring us beneath the surface of the page and invite us into this world that continues to lives on. These questions can be used to… • Foster a deeper understanding of the book • Promote an atmosphere of discussion for groups • Assist in the study of the book, either individually or corporately • Explore unseen realms of the book as never seen before Disclaimer : This book you are about to enjoy is an independent resource to supplement the original book, enhancing your experience of The Underground Railroad. If you have not yet purchased a copy of the original book, please do before purchasing this unofficial Conversation Starters . Read it on your PC, Mac, iOS or Android smartphone, tablet and Kindle devices.

Die KRACHKULTUR bringt bahnbrechende Literatur aus der ganzen Welt. Große Autoren und neue Stimmen. Leise und laute. Zu heiklen Themen wie Heimat und Sexismus, und zu den schönen Momenten im Leben, die im Alltag untergehen. Die spannende Literaturzeitschrift für heute. Jedes Heft sorgt für Debatten, von FAZ bis Neues Deutschland. Die Süddeutsche sagt, die KRACHKULTUR tanzt „niemandes Pfeife nach“. FAZ Woche nennt sie „ein kleines Mirakel“. Der Bayerische Rundfunk mahnt: „Nicht versäumen!“ Für das Hamburger Abendblatt ist die Krachkultur gar „Pflichtlektüre für Literaturkenner“. Und Welt kompakt urteilt: „Es gibt in KRACHKULTUR kaum einen Beitrag, sei es Gedicht, Story oder Essay, der sich nicht der Lektüre lohnte.“ Die KRACHKULTUR wird mit Texten die Welt nicht aus den Angeln heben – aber sie rüttelt sie manchmal gehörig durch. Im aktuellen Heft steht ein Interview mit Colson Whitehead, der für Underground Railroad und Die Nickel Boys gleich zweimal den Pulitzer-Preis erhielt. Außerdem geht es um das Frauenbild im Deutschrap, ein Violine spielendes Wunderkind in der DDR, Beethovens Sterbezimmer und einen mehr oder weniger echten Tag im Leben von Bob Dylan. Mit dabei sind Skandalautor Tom Kummer, Pop-Literat Eckhart Nickel, der große englische Lyriker Philip Larkin und Bestseller-Biologe Josef H. Reichholf.

Cora jest niewolnicą w trzecim pokoleniu na plantacji bawełny w stanie Georgia. Jej życie nie jest łatwe, a będzie jeszcze gorzej, bo lada moment z dziecka stanie się kobietą. Kiedy Ceasar, najnowszy nabytek z Wirginii, opowiada jej o podziemnej kolei, oboje decydują się zaryzykować ucieczkę. Po piętach depcze im pościg, a schwytanie oznacza los gorszy od śmierci. Tytułowa kolej podziemna to określenie stworzonej przez abolicjonistów sieci przerzutowej zbiegłych czarnych niewolników z południowych stanów Ameryki głównie na północ do Kanady, a także do Meksyku. Na ten skomplikowany system ucieczkowy składały się drogi, tunele, szlaki, bezpieczne kryjówki, przewodnicy, organizacje i społeczności. Nazewnictwo kolejowe tworzyło tajny kod, jakim posługiwali się uciekinierzy i abolicjoniści. Do sekretnego języka dochodził też system tajnych znaków graficznych. Whitehead odsłania przed czytelnikami tajniki systemu przerzutowo ratunkowego dla zbiegłych niewolników, odtwarzając precyzyjnie misterną konstrukcję systemu i przerzutowe szlaki. Niezwykle wiarygodnie oddaje też opresję niewolniczego życia, codzienny znój, strach, pragnienie wydostania się na wolność.

Cora jest niewolnicą w trzecim pokoleniu na plantacji bawełny w stanie Georgia. Jej życie nie jest łatwe, a będzie jeszcze gorzej, bo lada moment z dziecka stanie się kobietą. Kiedy Ceasar, najnowszy nabytek z Wirginii, opowiada jej o podziemnej kolei, oboje decydują się zaryzykować ucieczkę. Po piętach depcze im pościg, a schwytanie oznacza los gorszy od śmierci. Tytułowa kolej podziemna to określenie stworzonej przez abolicjonistów sieci przerzutowej zbiegłych czarnych niewolników z południowych stanów Ameryki głównie na północ do Kanady, a także do Meksyku. Na ten skomplikowany system ucieczkowy składały się drogi, tunele, szlaki, bezpieczne kryjówki, przewodnicy, organizacje i społeczności. Nazewnictwo kolejowe tworzyło tajny kod, jakim posługiwali się uciekinierzy i abolicjoniści. Do sekretnego języka dochodził też system tajnych znaków graficznych. Whitehead odsłania przed czytelnikami tajniki systemu przerzutowo ratunkowego dla zbiegłych niewolników, odtwarzając precyzyjnie misterną konstrukcję systemu i przerzutowe szlaki. Niezwykle wiarygodnie oddaje też opresję niewolniczego życia, codzienny znój, strach, pragnienie wydostania się na wolność.

Colson Whitehead gioca a carte da sempre. Piccole poste tra amici, perlopiù scrittori con cui vince facilmente grazie alla sua «faccia da poker». Quando «Grantland», una rivista sportiva, si offre di pagargli l'iscrizione alle World Series di Texas Hold'em di Las Vegas, capisce però che deve fare sul serio. Cosí si sottopone a un duro allenamento per resistere ai sette giorni di torneo che lo aspettano, alla tensione e ai buffet dei casinò. La nobile arte del bluff è il racconto della sua immersione in un mondo che finora abbiamo conosciuto solo tramite la Tv. E una riflessione, tanto caustica quanto divertente, sull'America di oggi, la depressione e il peso dei nostri fallimenti.

Cora is a slave on a Georgia cotton plantation, facing immense suffering, especially as an outcast among her fellow Africans. As she comes of age, her pain deepens. When Caesar, a newcomer from Virginia, introduces her to the Underground Railroad, they decide to escape, risking everything. Their plan goes awry when Cora kills a white boy attempting to capture her. Though they find a station and head north, they are pursued. In a unique twist, the Underground Railroad is depicted as a real network of tracks and tunnels beneath the South. Their first stop is South Carolina, which initially appears to be a sanctuary but hides a sinister agenda against its black residents. The relentless slave catcher Ridgeway is hot on their trail, forcing Cora to flee again. Her journey becomes a harrowing odyssey through various states, each representing different worlds and challenges. As she navigates these experiences, the narrative reflects the historical terrors faced by black people before the Civil War. The story is both a gripping adventure of one woman's fight for freedom and a profound exploration of America’s shared history, from the brutal slave trade to the unfulfilled promises of the present.

Lässig, böse, humorvoll – der neue Roman von Colson Whitehead über die wilden Siebziger im schwarzen New York - die Fortsetzung des Bestsellers »Harlem Shuffle« Ray Carney will von krummen Geschäften nichts mehr wissen. Er hält sich raus aus dem täglichen Chaos New Yorks, wo Gangster sich Schießereien liefern und die Black Liberation Army zum bewaffneten Kampf aufruft. Wäre da nicht seine Tochter May mit dem schier unerfüllbaren Wunsch nach einem Ticket für das Konzert der Jackson Five. Ray muss sein altes Netzwerk aktivieren – auf die Gefahr hin, sich selbst wieder zu verstricken. Als in Harlem ganze Wohnblocks in Flammen aufgehen, beauftragt er Pepper, der wie kein zweiter die Regeln des Spiels kennt, um für Gerechtigkeit zu sorgen. Whiteheads grandios unterhaltsamer Roman über das schwarze New York der wilden Siebziger ist ein großes Sittengemälde Amerikas.

Persoonlijk getinte schets van het leven in de stad New York.