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Understanding freedom through Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Colson Whitehead won the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for his novel about a young enslaved woman who escapes a Georgia plantation on a literal train to freedom.

On this episode of the Talk of Iowa book club, expert readers discuss the novel The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. In this work of speculative fiction, Whitehead explores themes of enslavement, freedom and greed in a world where the Underground Railroad really was a train.

Guests:

  • Makeba Lavan, assistant professor department of English, Grinnell College
  • Reverend Ray Dial, retired teacher
  • Tara Bynum, assistant professor of English and African American studies, University of Iowa, author, Reading Pleasures: Everyday Black Living in Early America
  • Abena Sankofa Imhotep, author, executive director, Sankofa Literary and Empowerment Group, Sankofa Literary Academy
Charity Nebbe is the host of 'Talk of Iowa'. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.