James

A Novel

By: Percival Everett

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER • A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view

NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST • ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE • KIRKUS PRIZE WINNER

In development as a feature film to be produced by Steven Spielberg • A Best Book of the Year: The New York Times Book Review, LA Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, TIME, and more.

"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 cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

©2024 Percival Everett (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND THE KIRKUS PRIZE FOR FICTION | BARNES & NOBLE'S 2024 BOOK OF THE YEAR

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORKER, NPR, THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, THE ECONOMIST, THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, AND VANITY FAIR, AMONG OTHERS...

“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

Can we ever be free

I write this as a privileged white woman. This book is a story that needs to be told. Living in 2024 and seeing in the news how little things have changed, I almost despair. As a woman I often think life would be better if all national leaders were women. But who knows what hidden darkness might come out if we were given all the power. I fear we might all be slaves to humanity. Until we all realize we are ALL one with the universe, we will never be free.

Brilliant

Writing and narration superb.so we understand the true horror of slavery as opposed to some of the recent revisionist bs

Absolutely amazing!

I am speechless. Heartbroken. Since there is a 15 word minimum I will go on. From inside Jim’s beautiful mind and heart we feel viscerally what slaves had to endure. A masterpiece.

incredible

I enjoyed the words and the performance of the words. I imagined reading the book as the performer made the characters come alive. it is a classic work of literature and a flawless reading.

Speechless

This is the first book by Mr. Everett that I have read. I will read his whole catalog without question. I am humbled again by what is more true than any Mark Twain I could ever read.

Excellent

Excellent read, too bad there is still so much racism in the US. Hopeful finish.

A Twist in Humanity

I was surprised by how much this book drew me in and would not let go. It left a knot in my stomach and a lump in my throat. I will probably never forget the characters and the roles that they played. As it ended, I thought, "What's next? Is there a sequel?".

An interesting take

I can’t say that I enjoyed reading the original, Huck Finn. So James was a refreshing new take on an old story. It is a story that needs to be told and read.

outstanding

it's rare to laugh out loud while listening to a book, at least it is for me. I did so several times while enjoying James, only to hold back tears a chapter later.

Slightly disappointing in places

The extreme liberties the author took to veer away from the original Huck Finn disappointed me. Otherwise, very insightful .