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A review by ruthieduthie
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
4.0
I re-read this in preparation for reading James by Percival Everett (which tells the story from Jim's viewpoint). I last read it probably 58 years ago, and frankly was shocked by the violence (which I don't remember being shocked by all those years ago). The plot involves murders, a lynching and an episode of tarring and feathering. It really is life on the frontier, which the Mississipi was at the time of the action (apparently 1839, as we learn quite late in the book). Add the issue of slavery and you can see why it has been controversial for several decades.
However during the course of the book, Huck's ingrained attitude to black slaves does evolve, and through travelling with Jim and getting to know him, he appreciates Jim's humanity and helps to get him to a free state.
The novel is very picaresque, and ultimately a series of adventures based on a heck of a lot of lies. When Tom Sawyer arrives on the scene it becomes really hilarious. However there are some quite moving scenes, as Huck struggles with his own version of morality.
However during the course of the book, Huck's ingrained attitude to black slaves does evolve, and through travelling with Jim and getting to know him, he appreciates Jim's humanity and helps to get him to a free state.
The novel is very picaresque, and ultimately a series of adventures based on a heck of a lot of lies. When Tom Sawyer arrives on the scene it becomes really hilarious. However there are some quite moving scenes, as Huck struggles with his own version of morality.