A review by bookswithlydscl
James by Percival Everett

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

My first Percival Everett and won't be my last. Beautifully and heartbreakingly written and a story told with humour, grace whilst not shying away from the horrors of slavery and life in the South in the build-up to the Civil War.

I hate Mark Twain's writing and have picked up put down both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn so I'm pleased now to have this story - a retelling essentially of Huck Finn from Jim's perspective. This gave me everything I need - a historical narrative with modern perspective, holding up a mirror to current attitudes and actions. 

"When does the war end?" I asked.
"Does it end? That's the question. Who gets to say it's over. A war continues until the victor says it's over."
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