Underground to Canada is a novel by Barbara Smucker that tells the story of two young African American slaves, Julilly and Liza, who escape from a plantation in Virginia and make their way to freedom in Canada via the Underground Railroad.
The novel begins with Julilly and Liza living on the plantation, where they are treated cruelly by their owners and subjected to hard labor. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to escape and find a better life. When an opportunity arises, they decide to take the risk and flee the plantation, embarking on a treacherous journey through unfamiliar territory.
As they travel northward, Julilly and Liza face numerous obstacles and dangers, including pursuit by slave hunters, treacherous weather, and hostile environments. Despite these challenges, they persevere, driven by their desire for freedom and their hope for a better life.
Along the way, Julilly and Liza are aided by a network of abolitionists and other sympathetic individuals who make up the Underground Railroad. These people offer them shelter, food, and guidance as they make their way towards Canada, where slavery is illegal.
As they journey towards their destination, Julilly and Liza also face internal struggles as they grapple with the challenges and sacrifices of their journey. They must come to terms with their past and the difficult choices they have made in order to move forward.
In the end, Julilly and Liza reach Canada and are finally able to experience the freedom and dignity they have always deserved. The novel ends on a hopeful note, as the two women begin their new lives in Canada, grateful for the chance to start over and create a better future for themselves.
Underground to Canada is a powerful and poignant story that highlights the struggle for freedom and human rights during a time when slavery was still a prevalent institution in the United States. It is a testament to the strength and determination of the human spirit, and a reminder of the incredible sacrifices and bravery of those who fought against oppression and injustice.