“Sleeping Car Porter” by Suzette Mayr is a poignant and immersive novel that transports readers to the 1920s, exploring the life of Baxter, a queer Black sleeping car porter. The narrative unfolds as Baxter contends with the challenges posed by white passengers, the ghosts of his past, and his secret love affair. Mayr’s work is a significant contribution to the representation of Black history in North America, particularly from the perspective of a queer man who faces invisibility on multiple fronts.
The story is set against the backdrop of a train journey across the country, which is abruptly halted by a mudslide, leading to heightened tensions and revelations among the passengers. Baxter’s character is beautifully crafted, with his aspirations of becoming a dentist and his struggle to maintain his dignity in the face of systemic racism and homophobia forming the core of the narrative. The novel’s use of magic realism enhances the emotional depth and provides a unique lens through which the reader experiences Baxter’s journey.
Critics have praised “Sleeping Car Porter” for its affecting storytelling, imaginative prose, and the visceral experience it offers, akin to the rocking of a train. The book has been recognized for its historical significance and its stylish portrayal of a bygone era, with the jury of the Scotiabank Giller Prize describing every page as “alive and immediate — and eerily contemporary.”
“Sleeping Car Porter” stands out as a stunning accomplishment in historical fiction. Mayr’s vivid but never overwrought prose captures the surrealism of intense fatigue in constant motion, making readers feel captivated and almost tasting the exhaustion and despair of the protagonist. The novel is not only technically brilliant but also wonderfully written, with characters that burst with life. It’s experimental and weird in the best way, with elements that will capture and move readers deeply.
For those interested in exploring themes of identity, history, and the human condition, “Sleeping Car Porter” is a must-read that offers a powerful reflection on the struggles and dreams of an individual at a time when society was far less accepting. It’s a book that not only tells a compelling story but also invites contemplation on the progress we’ve made and the distance we still have to go. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for dignity and self-realization.
Chunks and Tidbits 