I started reading at a VERY young age, and I distinctly remember when my grandmother bought me copies of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” I vaguely remember starting to read them when I was way too young, and I gave up pretty quickly simply because I didn’t understand what was happening, but then, in high school, we read an abridged version of Huckleberry Finn, which prompted me to pick up the book again and read it cover to cover. Not surprisingly, I remember the version that was in our textbook being very whitewashed, relinquishing Jim to merely a minor player in Huck’s journey.

Though it’s been years since I last read Huck Finn, it did leave a lasting impression, and when I saw “James” on a “books to watch for in 2024” list at the end of last year, I immediately added it to my wish list. After reading it, I can honestly say that this is a bold and captivating take on Mark Twain’s classic novel, and I loved it! I especially liked that the focus is on the character of Jim, the enslaved man who embarks on a perilous journey with young Huck Finn down the Mississippi River.

Everett skillfully blends elements of adventure, social commentary, and historical fiction to create a rich tapestry of a story that, while familiar, is an entirely different experience when reading it from Jim’s perspective. The novel is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of racism and oppression in America despite many – even today – trying to downplay its ugliness and long-lasting impact.

The novel opens with Jim overhearing that he is to be sold to a man in New Orleans, which means he will be separated from his beloved wife and daughter, likely never seeing them again. Determined to escape this fate, Jim decides to hide on Jackson Island, but when Huck Finn shows up on the island, telling Jim that he staged his death to escape the abusive hands of his drunken father, Jim realizes two things: He is an escaped slave, and the townsfolk are going to think he murdered Huck. There’s no way he can continue hiding on the island, so he and Huck build a raft and float up the “Big River,” hoping for freedom and facing danger at almost every bend of the Mississippi.

As the two unlikely companions set out on their journey, readers are taken on a thrilling and emotional ride through the heart of America’s racial inequalities and societal injustices. While Twain did touch on these themes in his book, it hits differently when you read it through the lens of a Black man. In Everett’s book, Jim is a complex and multifaceted character who plays the game of being a poor, uneducated Black man not only as a survival tactic but also to make the white folks feel superior. Here, Jim’s thoughtfulness, intelligence, and compassion take center stage. Through Everett’s masterful storytelling, Jim emerges as a hero in his own right, challenging stereotypes and defying expectations at every turn.

Elements from the original, including the encounters with the Duke and Dauphin, the threats along the Mississippi, dangerous storms, and the moments of unexpected camaraderie remain, all playing out in a fresh and exciting way. We even get a few new scenes from those moments when Huck and Jim are separated, which we didn’t experience in the original work, adding to the overall story and making this book much more than a simple retelling. There’s also a new aspect to the connection between Jim and Huck that I felt worked very nicely and added to the book’s emotional impact. (I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil it.)

Overall, this is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that challenges us to revisit familiar narratives and see them in a new light. With its compelling characters and poignant themes, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh take on a classic tale. Everett’s bold and unflinching voice shines through in every line, making “James” an instant classic and, to date, one of my top reads of the year.