We live in an era where great books do not just narrate, but illuminate, break barriers, challenge societal norms, and start necessary conversations. James by Percival Everett is undeniably one of these remarkable reads.
Percival Everett, already acclaimed as a fiercely intelligent and creatively daring writer who has published insightful novels such as Erasure, I Am Not Sidney Poitier, and The Trees, outdoes himself with his latest novel, fetching high praise and rave reviews from The New York Times, Vulture, Kirkus Reviews, and many more.
Everett’s James is an audacious, masterfully penned reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, bringing a new voice and perspective to a much-beloved tale. The story is that of James, an Everettian protagonist; smart, measured, observant, and incredibly capable. James navigates through hairbreadth escapes and dangerous tribulations in a wilderness that’s much grimmer and bloodier than Twain’s.
Typical of an Everett’s novel, James is both compelling and harrowing, but it does not stop there. It also playfully oscillates between being fiercely intelligent and incredibly moving, evoking a spectrum of emotions among readers. This exquisitely written novel has received an impressive Goodreads rating of 4.6, further testament to its wide acceptance.
Unapologetically nuanced, James” is a magnificently unique blend of the primal and the exquisite. Everett does not just tell a story; he gives insight into the deep-seated racial injustices of slavery, serving a damning look at the societal systems that once were.
Whether you’re a literary enthusiast or a leisure reader, James promises to stun you into a world richly nuanced, images vivid and characters that live with you long after you’ve put the book down, earning its newfound status as a literary tour de force. What makes James special is its ability to make readers ponder, laugh, and reimagine the narratives they have known.
Pick up your copy, losing yourself to the narrative of James, a story that doesn’t come along very frequently, enthroned in its bravery to dive deep within the human condition.