Mark Twain is wonderful! Huckleberry Finn is a beautiful story about two boys from very different worlds becoming friends. I have not read James because I'm not sure how much of that story remains in his version. Anything beyond the scope of that friendship is not a retelling, but a completely different book.
It really is a completely different book with familiar characters and style. The over the top scenarios, bad fortune and good fortune that is all present in a very Huck/Sawyer way. It's written from the perspective of an adult so the themes are a more adult. It is not a children's book but if you love the characters, style, Twain comedy and don't mind some trauma and brutality mixed in you might like it.
I think the friendship between Huck and Finn remains at the heart of this book, but it certainly examines the darker parts of the time, and so if Huckleberry Finn holds a special place for you it may be worth giving this one a miss (though it pains me to say that because I loved it a lot!)
I read it and really liked it but not as much as everyone else. I ranked it 4 just because there was something in there near the end that I just hated. ***SPOILER*** ***REALLY DON'T LOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET**** I dont like the trope of men "saving" women by murdering other men. I dontblike rape as a reason for male revenge. It makes me crazy and in this case it was 100% unnecessary. There were 1000 Million reasons for his own revenge and the catharsis would have been just as effective. So, a full star knocked for that. Hope I did the "spoiler thing" right. If not remove my comment and know I wont have hurt feelings!
I think that’s fair - I think it was so common in that time though that I found it believable as ‘the straw that broke the camels back’ so to speak. I get why you knocked a star off though. I don’t think anyone can complain about not realising your comment contained spoilers - you gave very fair warning! 😂😂
You made me nervous. Glad you liked James. You’re review is brilliant
Thanks Brian - I’m so glad I liked it too 🤩
This was the first time I've enjoyed Everett too. His redemption arc in my head was great.
Agree!! A great book! Probably means it won’t make the Booker 😂
Need to read this! Ended up having to return Erasure on Libby unread as I had no time to read it.
That’s the story of my life mate 😂😂
Nice! - felt much the same. I'm determined to read PE's backlist now.
I think I’m more likely to focus on future releases just because of my experience with The Trees, but he definitely nailed this one!
Great video btw. Going over to watch the other reviews!
Aww thanks mate 🧡
Great review. I have not read Huckleberry Finn, although I do fancy reading James .
James is much better than Huck Finn in my opinion 🤫
I am limbering up with Erasure and it's so funny. I can definitely see why people love him so
I’m quite interested in that one - is t there an adaptation out at the moment?
I believe it is called American Fiction
Mark Twain is wonderful! Huckleberry Finn is a beautiful story about two boys from very different worlds becoming friends. I have not read James because I'm not sure how much of that story remains in his version. Anything beyond the scope of that friendship is not a retelling, but a completely different book.
It really is a completely different book with familiar characters and style. The over the top scenarios, bad fortune and good fortune that is all present in a very Huck/Sawyer way. It's written from the perspective of an adult so the themes are a more adult. It is not a children's book but if you love the characters, style, Twain comedy and don't mind some trauma and brutality mixed in you might like it.
I think the friendship between Huck and Finn remains at the heart of this book, but it certainly examines the darker parts of the time, and so if Huckleberry Finn holds a special place for you it may be worth giving this one a miss (though it pains me to say that because I loved it a lot!)
Definitely going to read it. 🔥
You will love it!
Yay, glad you loved it. What a novel!
Agreed!! I feel like we are very aligned this year!
Loved it -- smokin' hot!
🔥🔥🔥
I loved it. 😎📚👍
Me too!! 🤩
I read it and really liked it but not as much as everyone else. I ranked it 4 just because there was something in there near the end that I just hated.
***SPOILER***
***REALLY DON'T LOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET****
I dont like the trope of men "saving" women by murdering other men. I dontblike rape as a reason for male revenge. It makes me crazy and in this case it was 100% unnecessary. There were 1000 Million reasons for his own revenge and the catharsis would have been just as effective. So, a full star knocked for that.
Hope I did the "spoiler thing" right. If not remove my comment and know I wont have hurt feelings!
I think that’s fair - I think it was so common in that time though that I found it believable as ‘the straw that broke the camels back’ so to speak. I get why you knocked a star off though.
I don’t think anyone can complain about not realising your comment contained spoilers - you gave very fair warning! 😂😂
I thought it was brilliant
Me too - so glad I read it 🤩