52 pages 1 hour read

Percival Everett

James: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

James by Percival Everett is a retelling of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man. Jim flees after learning that he is to be sold, and he partners with Huck, who is escaping his abusive father. They travel together on a river, encountering various people and challenges, until Jim ultimately reunites with his family and seeks freedom. The novel addresses themes related to morality, enslavement, and the resilience and humanity of enslaved people. The book includes depictions of racism, racial slurs, sexual assault, anti-Black violence, and enslavement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

James by Percival Everett engages readers with its profound exploration of identity and race, marked by Everett's characteristic wit and nuanced prose. Critics praise the novel's depth and originality, though some find its complex narrative structure challenging. Overall, James is celebrated for its intellectual rigor and emotional resonance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read James?

A reader who enjoys James by Percival Everett likely appreciates innovative narrative forms, philosophical explorations, and character-driven stories. Fans of Don DeLillo's White Noise or Dave Eggers' A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius will find a similar blend of wit, introspection, and social commentary.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Satire

Action / Adventure

Themes

Identity: Race

Relationships: Friendship

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil