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24.4k reviews for:

James

Percival Everett

4.51 AVERAGE


There are few words I can write that will adequately convey the impact of this book on me. Percival's genius in weaving together an exciting narrative with such complex themes must be applauded. The seemingly innocuous manner in which he chose to start the story belied a much more complex plot that explored the deep and complex world of slavery in the US south. Written with such detail, the highly infectious characters had you clambering through the dense southern wilderness and bobbing alongside them in a rickety canoe on the Mississippi, listening intently to their conversations and peering into the mind of a runaway slave.
The book takes you on an unforgettable journey of Jim, a runaway slave, as he tried to make sense of his humanity in a world which views him as less than. Through his world view we get to walk several hundred miles in his bare feet experiencing not only the physical, but the mental and emotional toll of the times on him as he desperately tries to be reunited with his family.
I encourage all to read this book, equal parts epic adventure and thought provoking literature. The reviews on this one have not been exaggerated!

This was a rollercoaster ride of a book. Mark Twain meets a Coen brother's movie with a touch of Django Unchained. The amount of action felt a bit much at times, but at the same time, it was very poignant.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous challenging dark funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
adventurous challenging dark funny reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Read this book so fast. Amazing story with effective storytelling. Love it!
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective sad 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: N/A

I liked this book. Many people had recommended it to me and I would recommend it to others. I think it is a really creative and smart retelling of a classic story in a way that brings more justice and narrative to Jim. I wish I had re-read Huckleberry Finn first. Overall it was a good book and certain elements I really enjoyed but I do wish it had a bit more meat at times. I wanted to know even more about Jim and his life before his adventures with Huck.

marshaestewart's review

4.25
adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated