Hi, I love this book and I read Huck Finn before it. I got bored with Huck Finn and my memories of it were more from my childhood and maybe an abridged version and TV adaptations. I loved the use of language in James and at the end the absence of a word was so dramatic for me. (Trying not to give spoilers). Definitely a reread in the future. I have read The Trees and have a few more by Percival Everett to read. Take care and enjoy your reading.
In Percival Everett’s "James," the interplay of identity and history prompts us to question: Slave, or Slav? Is it slave language, or Yiddish? Jim, or Me? James, or I am? The satire and psychology are sophisticated, showcasing why Everett is regarded as both dark and masterful. In his "retelling" of Huckleberry Finn, Everett suggests that Huck serves as the alter ego of Samuel Clemens, who adopted the pen name Mark Twain-paralleling Jim’s transformation into James. Here, Huck emerges as the true "Slav," as his family’s lineage traces back to colonial immigration from England to America, arriving not as free men but as indentured servants, bound by "slave-like" conditions. Interestingly, Clemens’ mother, Jane de Lampton, may have Slavic (possibly Jewish) roots, further complicating our understanding of identity in the text. This nuanced exploration highlights Everett’s genius, inviting readers to reevaluate the intersections of race, history, and self. Percival's James is indeed Samuel Clemens himself, confessing.
Thank you for this review! I just finished and I really enjoyed this. I keep hearing about other works from Everett and would really like some recommendations. Would you mind sharing the other four you mentioned that you read? Thanks so much. New subscriber for sure!
@@thebobsphere7553 Great! I found The Trees on Audible for free so I am listening now. And I just ordered Assumption, Telephone and Virgil Russel for great prices from thrift books. I'm excited to get into Everett's work. Thanks again for your video and recommendations!
I'm in the minority on this book. I did not care for it. I like Everett's ideas (this is true for all 3 books of his I have read), but I never like the execution of these ideas. I don't like his writing style and it is a struggle to finish them. I am sure it will make the shortlist.
Hi, I love this book and I read Huck Finn before it. I got bored with Huck Finn and my memories of it were more from my childhood and maybe an abridged version and TV adaptations. I loved the use of language in James and at the end the absence of a word was so dramatic for me. (Trying not to give spoilers). Definitely a reread in the future. I have read The Trees and have a few more by Percival Everett to read. Take care and enjoy your reading.
In Percival Everett’s "James," the interplay of identity and history prompts us to question: Slave, or Slav? Is it slave language, or Yiddish? Jim, or Me? James, or I am? The satire and psychology are sophisticated, showcasing why Everett is regarded as both dark and masterful. In his "retelling" of Huckleberry Finn, Everett suggests that Huck serves as the alter ego of Samuel Clemens, who adopted the pen name Mark Twain-paralleling Jim’s transformation into James. Here, Huck emerges as the true "Slav," as his family’s lineage traces back to colonial immigration from England to America, arriving not as free men but as indentured servants, bound by "slave-like" conditions. Interestingly, Clemens’ mother, Jane de Lampton, may have Slavic (possibly Jewish) roots, further complicating our understanding of identity in the text. This nuanced exploration highlights Everett’s genius, inviting readers to reevaluate the intersections of race, history, and self. Percival's James is indeed Samuel Clemens himself, confessing.
@@TheEcowriter wow that’s so insightful!! Thanks!! 😊
Thank you for this review! I just finished and I really enjoyed this. I keep hearing about other works from Everett and would really like some recommendations. Would you mind sharing the other four you mentioned that you read? Thanks so much. New subscriber for sure!
Of course : The Trees, Erasure , James (of course) and Damned if I do (which I was lukewarm about as I'm not a fan of short stories)
@@thebobsphere7553 Great! I found The Trees on Audible for free so I am listening now. And I just ordered Assumption, Telephone and Virgil Russel for great prices from thrift books. I'm excited to get into Everett's work. Thanks again for your video and recommendations!
I'm in the minority on this book. I did not care for it. I like Everett's ideas (this is true for all 3 books of his I have read), but I never like the execution of these ideas. I don't like his writing style and it is a struggle to finish them. I am sure it will make the shortlist.
@@KayAmpersand ah well. It happens 🙃