The Sleeping Car Porter - Suzette Mayr

ISBN: 9781552454589

In The Sleeping Car Porter, Suzette Mayr weaves a richly detailed narrative that brings to life the often-overlooked experiences of Black Canadian railway porters. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Canada, the novel follows Baxter, a Black and queer porter whose work on the trains becomes a metaphor for both physical and emotional voyages through a landscape marked by segregation, resilience, and transformation. Mayr's lyrical prose and meticulous attention to historical detail illuminate the complex interplay between personal identity and broader social forces, as the protagonist navigates a world shaped by systemic racism and shifting cultural dynamics. The narrative not only serves as a tribute to the strength and dignity of those who worked in the shadows of settler Canada but also challenges readers to reconsider the narratives that have long defined settler Canadian history. Ultimately, The Sleeping Car Porter stands as a powerful exploration of memory, belonging, and the lasting influence of marginalized voices in society.

Black Sleeping Car Porters | Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Featured in at least 5 post-secondary course classes (last updated February 2025)

ISBNs of note: 9781552454589

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