Something wonderful happened while I read Percival Everett’s book, James, in May. It was a first. Everett was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for this novel. Wow! 

This book caught my attention online even before he won the award. The great reviews were plastered all over. The last time I read anything close to a classic was when we had to in high school. I had no interest in returning to this classification until it sparked curiosity amongst readers. 

According to Everett, it’s the story of Jim, Huck Finn’s slave companion, who finally has the opportunity to be present in the story. In Twain’s Huckelberry Finn, you will recall that Jim and Huck are not together in most of the novel. Everett lets Jim’s character unfold that wasn’t present in Twain’s writing. 

 I wanted to refresh my memory of Huck Finn before I started reading James through online cliff notes. But something ironic happened. I was browsing an antique shop and found a vintage copy of Huckleberry Finn in supreme condition! It was a sign that I needed to read James sooner rather than later. So I did.

The book was fantastic! Reading the story through James’s eyes gave a new perspective on Twain’s writing. I love that Everett took Jim’s character, which was never fully developed, and ran away with it. We finally got to know him. Genius. 

But to be transparent, it was difficult to read at times. The derogatory language and the disregard for humans are hard to swallow. However, I think it’s important to acknowledge slavery and racism in our nation’s history. 

If Tom Sawyer and Huckelberyy Finn are still required reading in school, I think James needs to be added to the list. It puts the bow on top of the present. It’s one to be read. Enjoy!