James
NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR BY TIME, NPR, THE SEATTLE TIMES, ELLE, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, AND OPRAH DAILY
A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view • From the “literary icon” (Oprah Daily) and Pulitzer Prize Finalist whose novel Erasure is the basis for Cord Jefferson’s critically acclaimed film American Fiction
"If you liked Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver, read James, by Percival Everett" —The Washington Post
When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.
Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.
Reviews
With homage to Sam Clemens, this is Jim’s/James’ story. Beautifully written, James is presented as a fully developed man: an introspective, thoughtful, clear and forceful in his mind and beliefs. A husband, a father, a teacher: knows what he wants and must do. And nothing will stop him. Highly recommended!
By PhilipGV
I loved it. He stays close to the plot of Huck Finn, and adds persuasive detail. I don’t want to spoil anything, but adding James’s perspective to Huck’s story is most welcome.
By This looks good!!!
It has all the elements I was looking for, history & adventure.
By bookloverjenna
A difficult but valuable read. This book with its twist to James/Jim and not Huck keeps the reader engrossed and thinking. Definitely at the top of my 2024 books. Thanks.
By GLC2551
Absolutely extraordinary. One of the best books I have ever read. Sure to be a classic.
By MamaTT LCSW