Review by wyabook234 - James

wyabook234 's review for:

James by Percival Everett

4.25

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense 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

James's viewpoint, as depicted through Percival Everett's writing in his novel, is responsible for making this side of Mark Twain's story worth investing in. Our main runaway's voice in the story makes him a fascinating protagonist for us to follow during his escape, even when he is forcefully split from Huck Finn by the middle of the book. His awareness and his conflict between his selflessness to take care of his companions and his need for survival is what creates a very genuine character who lives in a period where slavery is legal. His struggles to become someone else other than an enslaved person and his cleverness to endure and escape from the harsh reality of slavery are gripping as the narrative that provides the commentary about the dehumanizing treatment of enslaved people and how that practice impacts the morality of humanity.

James's characterization, that are built upon his identities, contributes to how he builds relationships with the people he encounters on his journey, especially regarding his relationship with Huck. Their relationship becomes stronger as the child begins to lose some of his naivety when confronted with the attitudes of people who don't have the same compassion for his friend.

Everette provides an enthralling story that anyone can read, whether they have read Twain's original story initially or not, before picking up this novel. It also provides an open and honest take on the horror of racism and slavery through the eyes of our titular character.

Content Warnings