Flight to Canada (novel)

Flight to Canada is a 1998 postmodern novel by Ishmael Reed. It is a satirical and allegorical work that blends historical fiction with elements of magical realism and contemporary political commentary. The novel reimagines the history of slavery in the United States, presenting a complex and often humorous depiction of the era.

The narrative centers on Raven Quickskill, a fugitive slave who escapes to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The novel also features caricatures of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Queen Victoria, all portrayed in a satirical and often critical light. Reed uses these figures and events to explore themes of racial injustice, power dynamics, and the manipulation of historical narratives.

Flight to Canada employs a non-linear narrative structure, incorporating elements of folklore, anachronisms, and metafiction. The novel challenges traditional notions of historical accuracy, instead using its fantastical elements to critique contemporary society and its relationship with the past. The "flight to Canada" serves as both a literal escape from slavery and a metaphorical journey towards freedom and self-definition. Reed utilizes humor and irony to address serious issues related to race, class, and historical revisionism.