Federation Book Clubs Reads "James" by Percival Everett

A Novel by Percival Everett

James is a novel derivative of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn via the point of view of “Jim.” One of our readers, having loved Huck Finn throughout her life, expressed mixed feelings over not being able to suspend her disbelief. My favorite part—James instructing family members and other enslaved people how to behave and speak around Whites—came across to her as the author’s self-permission to avoid writing huge amounts of dialect, something Mark Twain had mastered.

We had a lively discussion of the issues raised such as racism, slavery, morality, amorality, religion, con men, friendship, loyalty, and family. They are braided throughout the novel seamlessly—in a universal manner that inevitably brings up the current practice of book banning. James, the novel, points out how the so-called “free states” at the time were still dangerous territory for escapees. What it comes down to is the question of choosing what kind of person you want to be.

Comments from our readers were: “Inventive, fresh take on a very old story,” “Entertaining,” “Impressed with the loyalty and fortitude of main character, James,” “More than a retelling of Huckleberry Finn—a new story worth discussing with friends,” “How brave of the author to take on such a venerated story in James’s perspective,” “A thoughtful, deliberate look at issues back then and of today,” and “A celebration of the human intellect.”

Overall, our average score was 4+ out of 5.

Beth Buechler
Community Contributor

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JEWISH FEDERATION BOOK CLUB READING LIST

• November 14 - The Women by Kristin Hannah

• December 12 - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

• January 9 - The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood

The Federation Book Club meets via Zoom at 4:00 PM on the second Thursday of the month. Email info@thejewishfed.org or call the office at (574) 233-1164 if you would like to attend.