What if Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were told from Jim’s perspective? That is exactly what author Percival Everett did with his novel James (Doubleday, 2024).
The story is told through Jim’s eyes, his point-of-view, his dialect. It’s his story; not Huck’s. 
Sure, Huck is an instrumental part of the book. But he isn’t the main character.
For those who don’t remember, Jim is Huck’s enslaved friend. That’s why this concept is so unique. Slaves never had a voice. Seldom do they to this day in fiction or nonfiction.
This isn’t just a retelling of Huck Finn from a different perspective. Percival takes Twain’s concept and totally makes it his own. One does not have to be familiar with Huck Finn to enjoy this book. With that said, listening to James makes me want to revisit the classic Huck Finn. It’s been decades since I read it.
In this age of where white people seem to be slowly evolving as they take a stronger interest in the plight of Black people, this really is a book for today. It is bound to make you smile, grimace and think.
We were just discussing this book yesterday and saying we want to read it! Thanks~
I just ordered this book and look forward to reading it. Thanks for your review
I am going to listen to it on my way home. Thanks for your book reviews. Mostly good reads.
good call.
Insight #1 – the author elevates his name to James…
relevant and important in shifting awareness into ‘critical human race theory’
It’s the best book I’ve read this year.
When it was my turn to choose, I selected it for my Sebastopol book group.