Percival Everett centers a new voice in 'James,' a retelling of 'Huckleberry Finn'
Dec 30, 2024
auto_awesome
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.
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.
Humor and Irony in 'James'
Everett's writing style incorporates humor that stems from a worldview characterized by irony rather than overt comedic intent. In 'James', he constructs scenarios that reveal the complexities of language within enslaved communities, where characters navigate their identities while communicating effectively with their oppressors. One example highlighted is a scene where Jim teaches his children to speak in a way that maintains their safety while conveying crucial information, showcasing both the ingenuity and adaptability of those in oppressive situations. This nuanced use of humor reflects Everett's perception of irony as a tool for survival rather than just a means of entertainment.
Controversy Surrounding 'Huckleberry Finn'
The ongoing debates about censorship and the relevance of 'Huckleberry Finn' illustrate the complexities surrounding its historical and cultural context. Everett argues that those who seek to ban the book fail to comprehend its significance, particularly in its portrayal of racial language and its implications within American literature. He contends that replacing the racial slur with a different term diminishes the original meaning and fails to address the underlying issues of racism and intention. Through his new work 'James', he aims to contribute to the conversation on these controversial themes while acknowledging and respecting the original context of Twain's writing.
Percival Everett is a prolific author – his 2001 book Erasure was recently adapted into the Oscar-winning film American Fiction. But his latest book, James, expands on a story readers around the world already know: Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. In today's episode, Everett speaks with NPR's Andrew Limbong about why he wanted to reframe the classic novel from the perspective of the enslaved titular character, why he doesn't think of his new work as a direct response to Twain, and why he doesn't buy into the controversy surrounding the original.
To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday