James

A Novel

By: Percival Everett

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view

"Genius"—The Atlantic • "A masterpiece that will help redefine one of the classics of American literature, while also being a major achievement on its own."—Chicago Tribune • "A provocative, enlightening literary work of art."—The Boston Globe • "Everett’s most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful."—The New York Times

When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.

Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

©2024 Percival Everett (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR BY TIME, NPR, THE SEATTLE TIMES, ELLE, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, AND OPRAH DAILY

“The cult favorite author’s electric new work. . . James completely reimagines one-half of Finn’s famous duo, elevating him from unwitting sidekick to reluctant hero. . . Everett brings that laser-sharp wit to James, creating a radical new American adventure.”—W Magazine

“James offers page-turning excitement but also off-kilter philosophical picaresque. . . Gripping, painful, funny, horrifying, this is multi-level entertainment, a consummate performance to the last."—The Guardian

“Blasted clean of Twain’s characterization, Jim emerges here as a man of great dignity, altruism, and intelligence. . . Clever, soulful, and full of righteous rage, [Jim’s] long-silenced voice resounds through this remarkable novel. Subversive and thrilling, James is destined to become a modern classic.”—Esquire

I Didn’t Want It To End

I always loved Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. This story of James was masterfully written and I really liked the modern conscience that Percival Everett added. Why did it have to end?

James

Amazing story revealing the startling truths about the horror of slavery and our country's shameful past. Let it not be our future!

The power of this novel to make real thoughts that are lost in the mist of history.

It’s creativity, sensitivity, and powerful storytelling. It’s a stereotype destroyer. A book that I’ll miss and will definitely re-read.

The kind of ending I was hoping for.

I also liked the way Jim hid and then displayed he depth of his real personification, James.

The voice. The beauty

Authentic hopeful novel.
Love the Narration. I feel so happy that the author wrote this book. It humanizes the characters by giving them believable personalities. I like the premise and I really like James. Thank you for a lovely experience every day.

Masterpiece!

This book is a masterpiece, and is read superbly by Dominic Hoffman. Cannot recommend it enough!

Powerful

A moving, powerful story and exactly what a retelling should be. From the narration to the pace of the story, everything about this book exceeded my expectations.

Gorgeous novel—beautifully performed.

It’s been years since I’ve read Huck Finn; listening to this was like catching an echo of nuance I didn’t understand as a child. This novel is wonderful.

The perfect fit of the reader with the story.

Percival combines a high level of suspense, pathos, and comedy in a very believable story.

Slavery

Educational to listen to a story about slavery, at the time of the Civil War, from a black slave’s point of view.