James
By Percival Everett
Double Day Books, 9780385550369, March 2024, 320 pp.

The Short of It:

Nothing short of remarkable.

The Rest of It:

Have you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? I ask because James is a re-imagined Huck Finn but from Jim’s point of view. While I was reading this, I was surprised at how many people I know who have not read Finn, so let’s begin there. 

In the The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck flees from his abusive father with a slave named Jim. The two run for their lives, loot for what they can and have “adventures” on the river. Jim and Huck are very close which is unique in that a young white boy’s attachment to a black slave does raise eyebrows.

In James, Jim is the one fleeing because he desperately wants freedom and his entire goal is getting his wife and daughter out of slavery. But Huck is not having it. He finds himself by Jim’s side. They fish for their food, steal boats and canoes as needed and head down the river hoping to hit a free state, whatever that means. But a white boy and a black man cannot easily navigate those waters without raising suspicion.

Things happen. Crimes are committed.

As they continue their journey, the bond between the two strengthens and often these moments are beautifully shared. Huck is a smart boy, and he loves Jim. Everything he does is out of respect for Jim. The threats they encounter along the way highlight the difficulties that such a relationship brings.

Everett is a wonderful storyteller. I first read Telephone for book club a few months back and it was a very unique story. After that discussion I knew I would read him again and sure enough, James was chosen for this month’s club discussion. We met the other night to discuss it and it was a very good discussion.

Highly recommend.

Source: Borrowed
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