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A review by itsliterarylexi
James by Percival Everett
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Goodreads blurb promised a tale “brimming with electrifying humor,” and I have to say, that was a bit of a stretch! While there were a few chuckles here and there, I wasn’t exactly rolling on the floor with laughter.
This book turned out to be a bit heavier than I anticipated, but not more than I expected. I mean this is a book about the Antebellum South. Tackling difficult subjects like slavery, sexual assault, and murder, it definitely challenged my palate. Since I hadn’t read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before diving in, I can’t help but wonder if I missed some crucial context that would have enriched my understanding.
That said, I found this story to be a powerful read from the perspective of a slave, especially as we followed James's journey to reclaim his family. One aspect that really struck me, though it drew some criticism from other reviewers, was the concept of code-switching. The way the characters adapted their speech to navigate their harrowing circumstances really resonated with me. It highlights a profound truth about the human experience—how we have to alter ourselves to survive and thrive in the face of oppression. This process of change and adaptation, which was a matter of life and death for the characters, mirrors the ongoing struggles many of us face today as we navigate racial dynamics in the 21st century. It’s a reflection on resilience that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.
This book turned out to be a bit heavier than I anticipated, but not more than I expected. I mean this is a book about the Antebellum South. Tackling difficult subjects like slavery, sexual assault, and murder, it definitely challenged my palate. Since I hadn’t read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before diving in, I can’t help but wonder if I missed some crucial context that would have enriched my understanding.
That said, I found this story to be a powerful read from the perspective of a slave, especially as we followed James's journey to reclaim his family. One aspect that really struck me, though it drew some criticism from other reviewers, was the concept of code-switching. The way the characters adapted their speech to navigate their harrowing circumstances really resonated with me. It highlights a profound truth about the human experience—how we have to alter ourselves to survive and thrive in the face of oppression. This process of change and adaptation, which was a matter of life and death for the characters, mirrors the ongoing struggles many of us face today as we navigate racial dynamics in the 21st century. It’s a reflection on resilience that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.