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James: A Novel

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$14.99

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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE • A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view

In development as a feature film to be produced by Steven Spielberg •  A Best Book of the Year of the Year so Far for 2024: The New York Times Book Review, Esquire, W Magazine, Bustle, LitHub

“Genius”—The Atlantic • “A masterpiece that will help redefine one of the classics of American literature, while also being a major achievement on its own.”—Chicago Tribune • “A provocative, enlightening literary work of art.”—The Boston Globe • “Everett’s most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful.”—The New York Times

When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.

Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

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James: A Novel

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$14.99

13 reviews for James: A Novel

  1. Adrienne F

    Mark Twain’s tale of Jim and Huck Fin’s journey as told by Jim. A wonderful heart breaking tale with wild characters, horrible cruelty, unexpected reason, and the raging Mississippi River. Creatively written and a delightful read.

  2. Pete109

    This is a superb novel and shows the versatility of the author. It is funny and sad and quite a profound indictment of America.

  3. Clezia

    Non il miglior Everett, ma comunque sempre un massaggio ayurvedico per le cellule grigie; e comincio a pensare che il nostro sia geneticamenteincapace di scrivere roba mediocre. Non sono una fan di Mark Twain e non ho un ricordo chiarissimo del materiale di partenza, ma questo non mi ha impedito di godere della lettura e, soprattutto, di riflettere.
    E ancora ci sono molte cose su cui ragionare.
    Tanta roba.

  4. Kate Lutter

    I am in awe of this book. As an ex English teacher who actually taught Huck Finn to high school juniors, I did not expect James to be the kind of book it is. It is ingenious and heartwarming and honest. Sure, it relies on the fact that James is a lot more sophisticated than he’s let on, but that device serves the story. It is an action packed adventure with heart. I never read anything by Percival Everett before, but I am so glad I decided to read James. Don’t get hung up on the small stuff–I’d say to readers–and just go with your heart. You will love this story.

  5. S. Mckenzie

    I think Mark Twain would richly approve of James as a complement to Huck Finn’s adventures on the Mississippi. The slave’s experience with being labelled a runaway is a story that is dramatically different from that of the rogue (but white, hence almost respectable) Huck. I found I had to ration my time while reading James — if I intended to read say 20 pages, then put it down to concentrate on other chores, I’d find myself promising that I’d read just another 10 pages, then move on. 30 or 40 pages later, I could finally put the book aside, but only for a few hours – a day at most.

  6. voracious reader

    I loved this book. The story was passionate, ugly, beautiful. James was amazing, determined, and so smart. His relationships were intense. Read in one sitting.

  7. Laurel S.

    Impressive! Now I want to read all of Everett’s books! Such voice, action and plot. I read the entire book in one day! I now understand addiction a bit better. The characterization and development of Jim, to James was so powerfully written. Having read Huck Finn multiple times, this novel was even more meaningful. Thank you Mr. Everett!

  8. B Reeves

    One of the fastest paced books ever—can be read in an afternoon. Enjoyable though fanciful story of a runaway slaves adventures.

  9. K. Lundt

    Brilliant, touching, funny, unsettling … a “rewriting” of a classic that will stay with you every time you reread Twain’s novel in the future.

  10. Thomas Reed

    Growing up and continuing into adult hood, “The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn” has been one of my favorite books to read, and I’ve read it many times. This new take on Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s (James) standpoint by Percival Everett is a profound retelling of this classic story since it presents Jim as a highly intelligent, savvy, and wonderful person. I loved the contrast in the narrative when James is telling the story of their adventures as an individual versus the conversational narrative of characters when James switches to his slave personna of Jim. After having read the book, I am now going back and reading each book at the same time to gain more insight into Jame’s character. My hat is off to Percival Everett for this phenomenal view of the classic book by Mark Twain.

  11. Sue

    I read a review that classified this book as a future classic. I now know exactly what the reviewer meant. I’m sitting here trying to process what I just read, and I must admit, this book shook me.
    It is billed as telling the story of Huck Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. While it follows many elements of Huckleberry Finn, the events are seen in quite a different angle through Jim’s eyes. While the author includes humor, the story is incredibly thought provoking, as well as heart wrenching.
    Jim, or James, as he comes to be known, is an intelligent, loving, and brave man. A true hero.
    I will be thinking about this book for a long time. It was definitely worth reading.

  12. Chris Gray

    I absolutely devoured this book! I had never read “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, so I read that book first. Then immediately after, I read “James”. I was absolutely blown away!

    “James” is a pretty accurate retelling of the story of Huck Finn as told in Mark Twain’s book, for about the first half, except that it is told from the perspective of the slave Jim. But the story begins to diverge in the second half, and becomes almost exclusively Jim’s story.

    It was an easy read and kept me enthralled all the way through. I will be seeking out other books written by Mr. Everett. Read this book!!

  13. James

    Book club

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