Cloudsplitter

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The cover of Russell Banks's mountain-sized novel features a photo of Owen Brown, son of John Brown, the controversial figure behind the violent abolitionist actions in Kansas and the Harpers Ferry raid of 1859. This deeply researched yet fictionalized narrative is told by Owen, who, despite being an atheist, is profoundly influenced by his father's fervent beliefs and mission. The novel chronicles John Brown's journey from his cabin near the Adirondacks to the perilous routes of the Underground Railroad, culminating in the violent confrontations in Bloody Kansas and the revolt at Harpers Ferry. Along the way, we encounter notable figures like Frederick Douglass and Ralph Waldo Emerson, but the focus remains on Owen's obsessive reflections on his father's crusade and the emotional burdens placed on their family. Banks, a white author, addresses themes of race with the same depth as Toni Morrison, yet this work departs from his usual style. After extensive research, he adopts a voice influenced by the King James Bible and 19th-century political rhetoric, creating a tone reminiscent of Ken Burns's documentary style. While some readers may prefer Banks's more modern approach, this novel's sober style reflects the historical weight of its subject, inviting readers to grapple with the complexities of John Brown's character and legacy.