Percival Everett’s James is a bold reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but with a twist that turns the original on its head. While Twain’s tale follows Huck’s journey along the Mississippi, Everett shifts the spotlight to Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies him. Renamed “James” to reclaim his individuality, this character steps out of the shadows and into the heart of the story.
A New Perspective
By centering the narrative on James, Everett gives voice to a figure often overlooked in Twain’s version. No longer just Huck’s companion, James emerges as a complex protagonist with his own dreams, fears, and fierce desire for freedom. Everett’s prose dives deep into James’s inner world, revealing his intelligence and resilience in a way that’s both moving and thought-provoking.