Thank you for your review. I am looking forward to reading the book. Recently listened to Everett’s interview on NPR. I was particularly taken with his comment that he doesn’t take all the attention he receives seriously:”It’s just work. This is the American culture. How much impact can a literary novel have on the thinking of the people of the United States? We’re not a reading culture.”
Ive been awaiting your review. Im glad Everett is receiving a revival as of late. Im most definitely going to read this. What a great, novel concept. Thanks, too, for participating in the live show, today 🎉
My copy is on the way. I've been excited about this book for a year! Thank you for this review. I hope that more people will discover Percival Everett with James and American Fiction getting a lot of attention.
This review has convinced me to add "James" to my reading list, especially with its timely exploration of racial dynamics. It's fascinating how Everett uses language to subvert expectations and expose the realities of the time period - definitely makes me want to revisit "Huckleberry Finn" with a fresh perspective.
I am so eager to read this one-and in fact had it all cued up a few weeks ago. Thanks for this excellent discussion, and for your thoughts in the comments about the issue of reading Huck before James. I think I am going to read James before I go back to HF (which I’ve read many times but not recently). I wonder if PE will help me rethink Twain’s book.
Thank you Hannah. There is a NPR interview (actually the interviewer talks about 4x as much as Everett) in which the issue of intent and re-evaluating HF. To me it seems that Everett is very respectful of HF, but wanted to write Jim’s story. Btw, Everett introduces something new that I won’t hint at further that really raised a lot of interest and questions for me.
Excellent review, thanks. I just finished the novel and I am so glad Percival pulled no punches. The condemnation of the "peculiar institution" of American slavery, while tinged with his usual good humor, was searing and direct. "I said nothing as my shirt was ripped, by someone unidentified, from my body. I said nothing as the leather stung me, ripped me, burned me. Before I passed out, I was surprised by the realization that my flowing blood did not at all cool the burning of the wounds."
I have been waiting for your review on this one knowing how much you admire P. E.’s work. I think I may enjoy this book in the audible form more than the hard copy. I am interested in hearing the different dialects and accents used. You did a great job on this one. Can’t wait to get started 😊
I’m reading Huck Finn now for the first time in preparation for reading James. I haven’t gotten on great with Everett before, but I’m hoping that I’ll love this one. As I’m working my way through HF I’m getting really excited to see Jim’s perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Brian 😊
I’m sure I read Huckleberry Finn about fifty years ago 😮 - do I need to read it again to get the most out of James? I have a ticket to see a reading by Everett next month and can’t wait!
I think if you have read it and remember the basics you should be fine. Where necessary Everett sticks pretty close to Twain so those details/characters are in both. I was glad I had listened to Huck Finn before I started James. I think you could read James and the go back and reread HF if you thought it was necessary.
I will try to read _Huckleberry Finn_ before the year is out, but you’ve sold me on this book. Would I be correct in supposing that _Wide Sargasso Sea_ by Rhys is a literary antecedent to this book? Maybe I should try try to read that first. (Here just assuming that you’ve read everything. 😂)
Thank you for this brilliant review, Brian. My copy will arrive today, and I can’t wait to read this book. You know, I had the same thought: should I just anticipate that this, too, will be added to the growing list of challenged books? I can send you the New Yorker profile of Everett, if you tell me how to reach you. Are you on Voxxer? I will look forward to discussing this book with you further. Thanks, as always, Brian, for your really thoughtful reviews.
Thank you Pat. I imagine this book will be banned as soon as someone explains to the book banners what it’s about. So it might be a year or two🤓 I would love to read the New Yorker profile. I am an Voxer my handle is bbruce2116.
I have been thinking about this and working through my thoughts in the comments. I think my answer is no. It would help if you were familiar with Huck the character, but where the plot of Huckleberry Finn is important to the plot of James, Everett includes the information necessary. I think you could read James independently then decide if you wanted to read Huck Finn.
Thank you for your spoiler free review. I get my pre-ordered copy today. Getting early copies of books almost makes me want to join booktube 🤔. That lasts a second because I know how much work you and your comrades put into making your reviews look easy. Thanks again. Take care.
This is the first time I’ve ever gotten an early copy of a book. It was quite a surprise, but it’s a definite perk. UA-cam wise you could easily do what I do assuming you have the time. Plus you’d have one automatic subscriber!
In Percival Everett’s "James," the interplay of identity and history prompts us to question: Slave, or Slav? Is it slave language, or Yiddish? Jim, or Me? James, or I am? The satire and psychology are sophisticated, showcasing why Everett is regarded as both dark and masterful. In his "retelling" of Huckleberry Finn, Everett suggests that Huck serves as the alter ego of Samuel Clemens, who adopted the pen name Mark Twain-paralleling Jim’s transformation into James. Here, Huck emerges as the true "Slav," as his family’s lineage traces back to colonial immigration from England to America, arriving not as free men but as indentured servants, bound by "slave-like" conditions. Interestingly, Clemens’ mother, Jane de Lampton, may have Slavic (possibly Jewish) roots, further complicating our understanding of identity in the text. This nuanced exploration highlights Everett’s genius, inviting readers to reevaluate the intersections of race, history, and self. Percival's James is indeed Samuel Clemens himself, confessing.
I’ve been thinking about that and I’m not sure. Having read Huck Finn certainly grounds and enriches James and creates those moments of recognition in the plot. But I think if you know the basics of who Huck is in Twain’s work that might be enough. The plot of James stands on its own and there aren’t any significant characters outside of Jim and Huck in either that are not introduced in James. Where plot and characters from Huck Finn are necessary in James, Everett includes them at times sticking pretty close to Twain.
@@BookishTexan It was not having read Twain that curbed my enthusiasm to rush out and buy this book. I have many other Everett titles I could turn to and this kind of goes to the back of the queue cos I really don't want to read 19th century work from any country. Though maybe in the US it's more important for having have an understanding of the present than in most other countries.
To get the most out of it? Yes. I would argue that to get the most out of any book and also the quality of your writing would benefit greatly by reading these classics and the books that came before. I really don't understand how you couldn't be interested especially as an author yourself.
I read both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in preparation for reading James.. glad I did. I found both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn difficult- and for me, somewhat anger inducing (I know, the novels were written long ago and were a product of their time). I loved the much more realistic portrayal of slavery in James and of course Everett’s unique interpretation and ‘retelling’. Great review, thank you!
My comment was a bit tongue and cheek based on the idea that if Toni Morrison's Beloved can be banned for making white people uncomfortable about slavery then James can be banned for the same reason.
Thank you for your review. I am looking forward to reading the book. Recently listened to Everett’s interview on NPR. I was particularly taken with his comment that he doesn’t take all the attention he receives seriously:”It’s just work. This is the American culture. How much impact can a literary novel have on the thinking of the people of the United States? We’re not a reading culture.”
Wow that is a really interesting quote. I’ll have to find that interview. Thanks Joni.
Ive been awaiting your review. Im glad Everett is receiving a revival as of late. Im most definitely going to read this. What a great, novel concept. Thanks, too, for participating in the live show, today 🎉
I think you will enjoy it and get a lot out of it because if your knowledge of HF
My copy is on the way. I've been excited about this book for a year! Thank you for this review. I hope that more people will discover Percival Everett with James and American Fiction getting a lot of attention.
I hope so too. There is so much in James I had a hard time giving a sense of why I thought it was special without giving too much away.
This review has convinced me to add "James" to my reading list, especially with its timely exploration of racial dynamics. It's fascinating how Everett uses language to subvert expectations and expose the realities of the time period - definitely makes me want to revisit "Huckleberry Finn" with a fresh perspective.
@@topgoodreads Thank you. Everett definitely subverts expectations. Have you read Erasure? It blew me away.
I am so looking forward to reading this! I'm listening to Huck Finn again in prep for James. TY4 the review.
James was very good. I’m still thinking about it.
I am so eager to read this one-and in fact had it all cued up a few weeks ago. Thanks for this excellent discussion, and for your thoughts in the comments about the issue of reading Huck before James. I think I am going to read James before I go back to HF (which I’ve read many times but not recently). I wonder if PE will help me rethink Twain’s book.
Thank you Hannah. There is a NPR interview (actually the interviewer talks about 4x as much as Everett) in which the issue of intent and re-evaluating HF. To me it seems that Everett is very respectful of HF, but wanted to write Jim’s story. Btw, Everett introduces something new that I won’t hint at further that really raised a lot of interest and questions for me.
Excellent review, thanks. I just finished the novel and I am so glad Percival pulled no punches. The condemnation of the "peculiar institution" of American slavery, while tinged with his usual good humor, was searing and direct.
"I said nothing as my shirt was ripped, by someone unidentified, from my body. I said nothing as the leather stung me, ripped me, burned me. Before I passed out, I was surprised by the realization that my flowing blood did not at all cool the burning of the wounds."
I thought it was pretty perfect. Brutal where it needy to be and moving in other ways everywhere else. Thank you for the kind words.
Just put a reservation on this at my bookstore. I have reread Huckleberry Finn and the book Finn . Have you read Finn?
I have not read Finn, but it has been recommended to me before. Is it good?
"champions of enforced ignorance" - I'll quote that. thanks for the final try reviewing this - worth it!
Thank you very much.
I have been waiting for your review on this one knowing how much you admire P. E.’s work. I think I may enjoy this book in the audible form more than the hard copy. I am interested in hearing the different dialects and accents used.
You did a great job on this one. Can’t wait to get started 😊
Thank you Tess. The audio might be a great to read this gif that exact reason.
I’m reading Huck Finn now for the first time in preparation for reading James.
I haven’t gotten on great with Everett before, but I’m hoping that I’ll love this one.
As I’m working my way through HF I’m getting really excited to see Jim’s perspective.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Brian 😊
I hope you will like it. And Huck Finn to.
I’m so glad that this guy is finally getting his due. I’ve been impressed by everything I’ve read by him.
I’m a late arriving fan of Everett, but I agree with everything you said.
Terrific review! You've really made me want to read the bopk!
Thank you. I’m glad to hear that.
I’m sure I read Huckleberry Finn about fifty years ago 😮 - do I need to read it again to get the most out of James? I have a ticket to see a reading by Everett next month and can’t wait!
I think if you have read it and remember the basics you should be fine. Where necessary Everett sticks pretty close to Twain so those details/characters are in both. I was glad I had listened to Huck Finn before I started James. I think you could read James and the go back and reread HF if you thought it was necessary.
I will try to read _Huckleberry Finn_ before the year is out, but you’ve sold me on this book. Would I be correct in supposing that _Wide Sargasso Sea_ by Rhys is a literary antecedent to this book? Maybe I should try try to read that first. (Here just assuming that you’ve read everything. 😂)
I think Wide Sargasso Sea is a prequel to Jane Eyre but I haven’t read it. 🤓 There is a decent audio of Huckleberry Finn on Librivox.
Thank you for this brilliant review, Brian. My copy will arrive today, and I can’t wait to read this book. You know, I had the same thought: should I just anticipate that this, too, will be added to the growing list of challenged books?
I can send you the New Yorker profile of Everett, if you tell me how to reach you. Are you on Voxxer? I will look forward to discussing this book with you further. Thanks, as always, Brian, for your really thoughtful reviews.
Thank you Pat. I imagine this book will be banned as soon as someone explains to the book banners what it’s about. So it might be a year or two🤓
I would love to read the New Yorker profile. I am an Voxer my handle is bbruce2116.
@@BookishTexan Wonderful! Will send to you momentarily!
Having never read Mark Twain, I guess it would be a good idea to read that first...
I have been thinking about this and working through my thoughts in the comments. I think my answer is no. It would help if you were familiar with Huck the character, but where the plot of Huckleberry Finn is important to the plot of James, Everett includes the information necessary. I think you could read James independently then decide if you wanted to read Huck Finn.
was just about to ask this!
Insightful and thoughtprovoking as always :)
Thank you.
Thank you for your spoiler free review. I get my pre-ordered copy today. Getting early copies of books almost makes me want to join booktube 🤔. That lasts a second because I know how much work you and your comrades put into making your reviews look easy. Thanks again. Take care.
This is the first time I’ve ever gotten an early copy of a book. It was quite a surprise, but it’s a definite perk. UA-cam wise you could easily do what I do assuming you have the time. Plus you’d have one automatic subscriber!
Great review! It goes on the list but I might have to wait for the paperback.
Fair enough. I hope you like it.
Excellent review. I will definitely be reading this one.
It is such a good book.
In Percival Everett’s "James," the interplay of identity and history prompts us to question: Slave, or Slav? Is it slave language, or Yiddish? Jim, or Me? James, or I am? The satire and psychology are sophisticated, showcasing why Everett is regarded as both dark and masterful. In his "retelling" of Huckleberry Finn, Everett suggests that Huck serves as the alter ego of Samuel Clemens, who adopted the pen name Mark Twain-paralleling Jim’s transformation into James. Here, Huck emerges as the true "Slav," as his family’s lineage traces back to colonial immigration from England to America, arriving not as free men but as indentured servants, bound by "slave-like" conditions. Interestingly, Clemens’ mother, Jane de Lampton, may have Slavic (possibly Jewish) roots, further complicating our understanding of identity in the text. This nuanced exploration highlights Everett’s genius, inviting readers to reevaluate the intersections of race, history, and self. Percival's James is indeed Samuel Clemens himself, confessing.
What an amazing comment. Much to think about. Thank you.
Do I need to have read Huck Finn to get the most out of this book?
I’ve been thinking about that and I’m not sure. Having read Huck Finn certainly grounds and enriches James and creates those moments of recognition in the plot. But I think if you know the basics of who Huck is in Twain’s work that might be enough. The plot of James stands on its own and there aren’t any significant characters outside of Jim and Huck in either that are not introduced in James. Where plot and characters from Huck Finn are necessary in James, Everett includes them at times sticking pretty close to Twain.
@@BookishTexan It was not having read Twain that curbed my enthusiasm to rush out and buy this book. I have many other Everett titles I could turn to and this kind of goes to the back of the queue cos I really don't want to read 19th century work from any country. Though maybe in the US it's more important for having have an understanding of the present than in most other countries.
To get the most out of it? Yes.
I would argue that to get the most out of any book and also the quality of your writing would benefit greatly by reading these classics and the books that came before. I really don't understand how you couldn't be interested especially as an author yourself.
Thank you, Brian!🌷
I am buying this book today - will read Huckleberry Finn first - thank you for the review
Thank you. I think you could read James first and the HF if you wanted to.
Awesome I’m about to go get this one
It was great! Hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for your review. I can't finish it now because I'm leaving on vacation.
No worries.
I read both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in preparation for reading James.. glad I did. I found both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn difficult- and for me, somewhat anger inducing (I know, the novels were written long ago and were a product of their time). I loved the much more realistic portrayal of slavery in James and of course Everett’s unique interpretation and ‘retelling’. Great review, thank you!
I listened to Huck Finn right before starting James and hearing the N word 200+ times was very jarring. Thank you for your kind words about my review.
So looking forward to this one!
It was good. Sneaky good.
Everett was interviewed this morning on Sunday Morning. I wonder why you think it will be banned.
My comment was a bit tongue and cheek based on the idea that if Toni Morrison's Beloved can be banned for making white people uncomfortable about slavery then James can be banned for the same reason.
I just finished. Great review. This should be required reading (before it is inevitably banned).
Thank you. Glad that you liked the book. I wish we could make it required reading.
I don't see this book being banned unless things get a lot worse than they are now but everett is an important writer I probably ought to read⚛😀
You might be right. But if Beloved can be banned I don't hold out much hope for any book that deals honestly with America's racist past or present.
What an interesting concept, and how depressing to be living in a time where your assumption is that the book will end up being banned in the U.S.!
Yes! And Yes. Not sure the US will pull out of our slide.