Robert Morgan’s latest novel takes readers across the Appalachians

ALL ROADS LEAD NORTH: In Robert Morgan's latest work of fiction, readers travel from the foothills of South Carolina to the village of Ithaca, NY, as runaway slave, Jonah Williams makes his escape.

As a writer, Robert Morgan isn’t afraid to try out new forms. He has published poetry, essays, history, biographies and fiction. And, while his medium might change from project to project, there is a common thread that links many of the writer’s works — an ongoing investigation into, and exploration of, America’s past.

Morgan’s latest novel, Chasing the North Star (Algonquin Books), is no exception. Set against the backdrop of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, the story chronicles the escape of 18 year-old Jonah Williams, who flees from his life as a slave on a South Carolina plantation. Part history, part adventure, part coming-of-age story, the reader follows Jonah throughout his journey across the Appalachian Mountains and the many dangers he encounters.

The threats, of course, vary throughout the book. Bootleggers, slave catchers, imprisonment, blackmail and a river full of caskets all work against Jonah’s quest for freedom. It’s the character’s early reservations and doubts, however, that remind readers of Jonah’s youth. His initial concerns have less to do with the repercussions of possible capture and more to do with the uncertainties of his new surroundings. The mystery of the evening and its potential unseen threats evoke fears of snakes, panthers, wolves and bears. In the midst of these dreadful thoughts, the reality of his ill-planned escape surfaces with the grumbling of his belly. Without food, and with only a limited amount of money, the weight of his escape delivers burdens that require creative solutions.

Five chapters into the story, Jonah meets Angel. From this point forward, the novel’s structure shifts, offering back and forth perspectives from both characters. Angel sees in Jonah her one chance for freedom. Unfortunately for Angel, Jonah will dedicate as much time to escaping her as he does to all other obstacles that threaten his plan. While the cat-and-mouse game of love offers some of the more lighthearted moments within the novel, it also lends itself to the novel’s major flaw — Angel’s lack of dimension. Here is a woman seemingly unfazed by continual betrayal. A woman who time and again comes to the rescue of Jonah, only to be rewarded with further abandonment.

In some ways, Morgan uses Angel’s character to explore the exploitative roles women of lower status were forced into during the time period. On numerous occasions, Angel finds herself working as a prostitute in an effort to survive — grateful to have a roof over her head and a bed to sleep on (regardless of whom she might have to share it with). In these moments, the reader sympathizes with and better understands her seeming aversion to self-examination. Survival is survival. There is no sense in looking at any given situation as anything other than that.

At the same time, the serendipitous reunions that continue to bring Jonah and Angel together grow weaker and more predictable as the novel moves forward. Ironically, part of the weakness comes when Morgan attempts to have Angel explain her undying love — justifications include, “And I saw that a woman couldn’t quit loving a man just because he was scared and forgetful.”

This isn’t to say the novel as a whole fails to captivate the reader. Morgan is a pro at plot and pace. But with a character as rich and complex as Jonah Williams, it leaves the reader wondering where that effort went in creating the book’s other half.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Thomas Calder
Thomas Calder received his MFA in Fiction from the University of Houston's Creative Writing Program. His writing has appeared in Gulf Coast, the Miracle Monocle, Juked and elsewhere. His debut novel, The Wind Under the Door, is now available.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “Robert Morgan’s latest novel takes readers across the Appalachians

  1. MMH

    The new ‘Hillary’s America’ movie covers some of this in it’s mindblowing history within the movie! Don’t miss it !
    now playing at the carmike and only $5 on Tuesdays !

  2. J.M. Westall

    “Here is a woman seemingly unfazed by continual betrayal. A woman who time and again comes to the rescue of Jonah, only to be rewarded with further abandonment.”

    Sounds like Angel was modeled upon HRC!

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.