Review by sandysmith - James

sandysmith 's review for:

James by Percival Everett

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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: Yes

It was a difficult book to read due to the subject matter, American history, slavery, racism and the start of the civil war. The brutal actions of the slave masters beating, raping or hanging slaves because they can is sensitvely written but with no holding back. It's based on Huckleberry Fynn but told from the slave James perspective, with the white masters all calling him Jim. He is a runaway slave, accused of a murder he didn't commit. James is very intelligent and can read and write. The oppression and hardships of the slaves make this an uncomfortable but must-read book. It is so well written but accessible. Thought provoking and is a brilliant example of modern-day literature.

Content Warnings