James: A Novel

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.

I just couldn’t get into this book. So much sadness, unrelenting cruelty.

An interesting retelling of Huck Finn from Jim's point of view. Some interesting choices made by the author.

Very easy read, the chapters and scenes flow very well and I love the authors style of writing. I enjoyed the character of James