Book Note: James

The book James, by Percival Everett is well-written, with accessible language that immediately draws readers into the story. The opening scene, where Jim pretends to sleep instead of actually sleeping as in the original, establishes the book’s distinctly different perspective and sets the tone for a layered retelling.

Part I delivers everything expected—a faithful retelling of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. The familiar incidents are present, culminating in the meeting with the King and the Duke. The depiction of Jim’s ceaseless whippings is painful yet adds significant depth and humanity to his character, enriching the original narrative.

Part II departs from the original storyline entirely. Everett gives Jim a fully separate adventure, showcasing his agency, thoughts, and aspirations. The chapter’s ending, where Jim loses his new connections and reconnects with Huck in the “Big Muddy,” creates a neat and self-contained arc that stands distinct from the original work.

Part III veers drastically from the original story. The shift, including making Huck Jim’s son, undermines the theme of friendship central to the original work. The finale, focused on rescuing Jim from human breeding, feels more akin to Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained than Huckleberry Finn. This jarring departure detracts from the story’s alignment with the original.

Part I: Excellent and met the book’s promise of a retelling.

Part II: Well-executed with a distinct and justified addition to Jim’s story.

Part III: Diverges entirely from Huckleberry Finn, sacrificing the original’s themes for a separate narrative direction.

Also wanted the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn along the way!