Percival Everett has written a new novel – “James.” It is on all of the bestseller lists and has terrific reviews. I found “James” very intriguing, but it probably won’t appeal to the ‘reading for fun’ audience of readers. The book retells the story of “Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain – but this version is told from Jim’s point of view. The writing style and language are a little difficult at first, but if you keep plugging along, the story pulls you in. (Be prepared for language that is not appropriate in today’s world and be aware that there is violence in the novel.)
Just as in Mark Twain’s novel, Huck Finn and the slave, Jim are on the run together. Some of their adventures are the same ones that Twain wrote about – but this time, they are told from Jim’s perspective. There are also a few adventures that differ from the original because they only involve Jim. This version has a more serious mood than the Twain’s ‘Huck Finn.’ Jim has the life that he lives for the white people’s expectations and then he has his own life that he lives according to his wishes. There are some really interesting observations and things to contemplate when comparing the dual sides of Jim/James.
Many of the reviews I had seen for “James” by Percival Everett described it as extremely funny. There were a few humorous conversations, but this was not a “feel good” funny novel. I did find it really interesting and the conversations between Huck and Jim left me with much to think about. This is a novel that will probably win many end-of-year awards!
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