NPR's Book of the Day
Percival Everett centers a new voice in 'James,' a retelling of 'Huckleberry Finn'
Dec 30, 2024
This discussion features Percival Everett, a prolific author known for works like 'Erasure' and 'The Trees.' He dives into his latest book, 'James,' which presents a fresh take on 'Huckleberry Finn' from Jim's perspective. Everett explains his motivations for reframing Jim's story, his thoughts on censorship, and the complexities of language in marginalized communities. He also critiques the legacy and controversies surrounding Twain's original work, while reflecting on the challenges of promoting literature in today's culture.
15:34
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Quick takeaways
- Percival Everett's 'James' reframes the narrative of 'Huckleberry Finn' to amplify Jim's perspective, addressing underrepresented voices in literature.
- Everett uses humor rooted in irony within 'James' to highlight the complexities of language and survival among enslaved communities.
Deep dives
Percival Everett's Literary Journey
Percival Everett is known for his diverse and ambitious writing, with notable works including his recent novel, 'James', which retells Mark Twain's 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' from the perspective of Jim, Huck's friend escaping slavery. His earlier works span a range of genres, including political commentary in 'The Trees' and philosophical exploration in the James Bond parody 'Dr. No'. Everett emphasizes that his writing is not meant to critique Twain but rather to explore Jim's narrative, which Twain did not fully develop. This approach allows Everett to engage in a dialogue with Twain’s work, showcasing his commitment to storytelling that highlights underrepresented voices.
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