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A review by _chaoticbooknook
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
what a wry, satirical, yet very sobering retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the POV of Jim (or James, as he refers to himself as in the book). it was engaging and well-paced - i kept picking it up and wanting to know what happened next. Everett’s racial insights were particularly astute and gutting. overall, it’s a really great read, but i feel like i’m missing something because it feels like others are loving it so much more than me? it might be sky high expectations?
what i loved most about this book was how well it subverts stereotypes while still staying true to the spirit of the retelling. i’m pretty in awe at Everett’s writing and plotting. and the commentary! impeccable and cutting, while providing even more food for thought in the importance of being able to tell one’s story. i viscerally felt the emotions James was feeling at every turn, from the fear and suspicion to the confusion to the numbness and resignation. and to do so so precisely - Everett’s writing is top notch.
i totally understand the accolades and love for this book. while i am impressed, i wonder if i went into this book with too high expectations. or perhaps i’m missing the love because i haven’t read Huckleberry Finn - maybe it would hit a bit harder if i had?
still - i highly recommend this read for anyone looking for masterful writing, a great retelling, and overall engaging story. just temper expectations a bit, but don’t skip on this book!
what i loved most about this book was how well it subverts stereotypes while still staying true to the spirit of the retelling. i’m pretty in awe at Everett’s writing and plotting. and the commentary! impeccable and cutting, while providing even more food for thought in the importance of being able to tell one’s story. i viscerally felt the emotions James was feeling at every turn, from the fear and suspicion to the confusion to the numbness and resignation. and to do so so precisely - Everett’s writing is top notch.
i totally understand the accolades and love for this book. while i am impressed, i wonder if i went into this book with too high expectations. or perhaps i’m missing the love because i haven’t read Huckleberry Finn - maybe it would hit a bit harder if i had?
still - i highly recommend this read for anyone looking for masterful writing, a great retelling, and overall engaging story. just temper expectations a bit, but don’t skip on this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Sexual violence