A review by alisonburnis
James: A Novel by Percival Everett

adventurous dark emotional funny reflective 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

4.0

I wish I had reread The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before this, but I don’t think it detracts - as long as you have a basic idea of the plot, then this retelling will be rich and satisfying. This is a lens on that story from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who goes with Huck down the river. But Jim’s story here is fleshed out and far more than can be seen in Huck Finn. It is horrifying and realistic, both upsetting and uplifting. Jim here is given the opportunity to be everything hinted at by Twain. 

This was an excellent, complex retelling of a classic book, and one that is just a pleasure to read, due to the excellent writing.