James: A Novel

This beautifully written retelling of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim illustrates the importance of language and builds on Twain’s use of satire and dark humor from this classic novel. If you have not read Huckleberry Finn, read it first and then read James. This author was brave to reimagine the writing of the brilliant Mark Twain, but it was a risk that paid off with this bold masterpiece. Bravo!

I was fascinated by this re-envisioning of Twain’s original book, Huckleberry Finn. In particular, there were surprises throughout the book, especially Part III. Central to the perspective throughout was code-switching…something most of us do without fully realizing it. But the change in language style and the cautiousness of using standard language vs the more assumed vernacular were brilliantly infused throughout the book, including James teaching slave children how and when to code switch. It was a survival game tactic for both present and future lives for James and those he taught. Next, the concept of being rare, pirated, and treasured pencil and journal paper was an eye-opener. As a researcher, professor, and registered nurse, pencils, pens, and paper are everywhere for everybody…always. The idea of rarity for such common items in the novel foreshadowed other ‘common’ items as well. This point of view narrative by James himself provides a treasured journey into our history.

An exceptional read.

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.

The Goodreads blurb promised a tale “brimming with electrifying humor,” and I have to say, that was a bit of a stretch! While there were a few chuckles here and there, I wasn’t exactly rolling on the floor with laughter. This book turned out to be a bit heavier than I anticipated, but not more than I expected. I mean this is a book about the Antebellum South. Tackling difficult subjects like slavery, sexual assault, and murder, it definitely challenged my palate. Since I hadn’t read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before diving in, I can’t help but wonder if I missed some crucial context that would have enriched my understanding. That said, I found this story to be a powerful read from the perspective of a slave, especially as we followed James's journey to reclaim his family. One aspect that really struck me, though it drew some criticism from other reviewers, was the concept of code-switching. The way the characters adapted their speech to navigate their harrowing circumstances really resonated with me. It highlights a profound truth about the human experience—how we have to alter ourselves to survive and thrive in the face of oppression. This process of change and adaptation, which was a matter of life and death for the characters, mirrors the ongoing struggles many of us face today as we navigate racial dynamics in the 21st century. It’s a reflection on resilience that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.