James

A Novel

by

First Edition, 302 pages

English language

Published March 19, 2024 by Doubleday.

ISBN:
978-0-385-55036-9
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
1428082992

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(5 reviews)

When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illustrate’s Jims agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

4 editions

reviewed James: A Novel by Percival Everett

Great concept, lacking story

Something about knowing this was tied to Huckleberry Finn made this much less interesting.It's well written, but the plotline was desigend for Huck, not Jim. Trying to squeeze something out of that side of the story leaves it lacking. Again, good writing, and Jame's internal monologue and perception of the world is very powerful. But the lasting impact was very low given high expectations going in.

reviewed James: A Novel by Percival Everett

Delivered in spades

It’s a great concept and handled so well. This book dances around what’s hidden beneath the surface of Huckleberry Finn - the humanity and dehumanization of black Americans.

It’s still an adventure story and it moves fast and is an easy read, but delivers a look under the surface of every possible interaction. Some of it felt very magical and there’s a scene in an engine room that feels like the best parts of Catch-22.

Very happy for all the recommendations that led me to this book.

reviewed James: A Novel by Percival Everett

James - 4.5 Stars

4.5 stars. It's a powerful reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim's perspective. Although it's harrowing and at times brutal, somehow there is a fair amount of humor. There are great observations about language and also navigating the world of white people. It really highlights the outrageousness of white supremacy.

Subjects

  • Fiction
  • Literary Fiction
  • Historical Fiction
  • Slavery
  • Fugitive Slaves
  • Mississippi River
  • Missouri
  • Illinois

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