Shortlisted for Booker 2024. This book had sat in my pile for a few months and during that time I had heard nothing but excellent reviews. I can now confirm that it is indeed a fabulous read. At no point did I want to put the book down. The writing is simply superb. Obviously, utterly heart breaking at times. Totally recommended.

What an astonishing, and simultaneously daring, read! Whilst Peevival Everett’s retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn depicts the outright horrors and inhumane injustices of being enslaved, it also beats with the rhythm of a full heart. By giving a voice to James, (known to most as Jim), he has gifted us with a newer and fresher perspective on this well known character; singularly unique and linguistically adept. Full of admiration for the man that Everett has lifted from the old and breathed new life into. I dare anyone to try and put this down once you’re past the first few pages!

I devoured this extraordinary book in two days, it is no exaggeration to call it a masteriece. Witty, profound, moving and exciting in equal measures, it is quite simply superb.

I'll admit, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn wasn't my favourite book growing up, however, the character of Jim fascinated me and I wanted to read more about him over the other characters, so I was glad to find James; especially by one of my favourite authors. As with many of his other works, Percival Everett shows humour and horror side-by-side in life in this interesting work of satire as we follow Jim (we learn that his real name is James), a slave who must cultivate an act of ignorance to survive when in actuality he is a highly intelligent and insightful man. James is such a thought-provoking book that had me hooked cover to cover, unable to put it down. With themes of survival, identity and satire, Percival Everett shows an unflinching look into the lives of slaves in America, especially during the Civil War; a time already steeped in tension and fear. I highly recommend James to everyone alongside all of Percival Everett's works, especially to those who enjoy seeing novels from another perspective. Thank you, NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An amazing take on Huckleberry Finn, I struggled to put it down, a great read.