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A review by deedireads
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
reflective
fast-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
4.75
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Everyone’s already calling James — Percival Everett’s reimagining and extension of Huckleberry Finn — a favorite for next year’s Pulitzer Prize. I’ve got to agree.
You don’t need to read Huck Finn first, but I do recommend familiarizing yourself with the story before you start. I read Sparknotes’ detailed chapter summaries and analyses, and I was glad I did.
Everett doesn’t have to prove that he’s one of our modern greats, but he does so with this novel all the same. That’s not too surprising. What did surprise me was how ultra-readable so easy to sink into the book was without losing its electricity and urgency. Top it off with a raging ending and these nuanced, multi-dimensional characters, and holy smokes. It’s one of those books you just know is special as you read.
The audiobook was also stunningly performed by Dominic Hoffman (who, by the way, also read James McBride’s two most recent novels). His talents are on full display with his deft, empathetic handling of James’s voice — both internal and external as he code-switches.
This one is a must-read.
Everyone’s already calling James — Percival Everett’s reimagining and extension of Huckleberry Finn — a favorite for next year’s Pulitzer Prize. I’ve got to agree.
You don’t need to read Huck Finn first, but I do recommend familiarizing yourself with the story before you start. I read Sparknotes’ detailed chapter summaries and analyses, and I was glad I did.
Everett doesn’t have to prove that he’s one of our modern greats, but he does so with this novel all the same. That’s not too surprising. What did surprise me was how ultra-readable so easy to sink into the book was without losing its electricity and urgency. Top it off with a raging ending and these nuanced, multi-dimensional characters, and holy smokes. It’s one of those books you just know is special as you read.
The audiobook was also stunningly performed by Dominic Hoffman (who, by the way, also read James McBride’s two most recent novels). His talents are on full display with his deft, empathetic handling of James’s voice — both internal and external as he code-switches.
This one is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, and Rape