James by Percival Everett is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and very worthy of that title. cover blurb: A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- both harrowing and ferociously funny - told from the enslaved Jim's point of view. Who knew someone could match Mark Twain in clever observation of American ridiculousness? Mr. Everett has raised the bar immeasurably.
Jim hears he's about to be sold. Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. The two begin their dangerous raft journey down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of Free States. (cover blurb)
From Jim's point of view, we see his intelligence, compassion, and internal life as a man not a possession. He can read, write, and speak the King's English. But he can turn around and speak as a slave, the way white men expect him to - example "Who dat dere in da dark lak dat?"
James is a commanding, entertaining, funny, and heartrending book. I give it a super WOW - must read! And it's JAMES...not Jim.
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