James (Pulitzer Prize Winner): A Novel

A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.

From the “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), Pulitzer Prize Finalist, and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime


When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

While many narrative set pieces of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.

Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

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Published Mar 19, 2024

320 pages

Average rating: 8.41

3,200 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Zoe E.
Jun 03, 2025
9/10 stars
An extremely hyped book that delivers. James is witty and exuberant and biting and incisive all at the same time. A romp to read through while still incredibly smart and thought-provoking. What more could you ask for?
Michele Harrris
May 06, 2025
10/10 stars
Greetings, Did you know James by Percival Everett has won 2025 Pulitzer Prize- Fiction winner? Here’s a NPR coverage on this: https://npr.org/2025/05/05/nx-s1-5381150/pulitzer-prizes-2025 Here is a recap of February’s book discussion questions: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/g2t5eHTUiuHmysyYYaSxeu7wi7ZDUR3V7lt9W-Bd7cNi0TmVOsS3cQD379aLPRF9.9RV9wltAakb0uEAG
Torn_KD
Feb 19, 2025
9/10 stars
Harrowing adventure as Jim and Huck escape. Page turner and funny in parts. Would highly recommend. Doesn’t make my all time favorites but I did love it.
Gina3830
Feb 02, 2025
10/10 stars
Such a powerful reflection on human connections and the societal forces that influence them. I was able to read-along while listening to the audiobook.
mhooper
Dec 11, 2024
7/10 stars
I enjoyed seeing this story from the slaves point of view. Very creative.

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