Julian Lucas, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and longtime fan of Percival Everett, dives into the literary brilliance of Everett's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'James.' They discuss how Everett reframes Jim's character from Twain's work, highlighting themes of complexity and voice. The conversation also touches on the use of humor in exploring human experiences and the rising ADHD diagnoses in women. Finally, they address the backlash against 'James,' emphasizing the importance of engaging with literature instead of fearing challenging discussions on race.
20:17
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Jim's Voice Reimagined
Percival Everett voices Jim's perspective as a bitter, exhausted grown man forced to play children's games as a slave.
He transforms a fun scene from Huck Finn into a harsh reality of Jim's experience under slavery.
insights INSIGHT
Owning Twain's Material
Everett read Huckleberry Finn 15 times to internalize and own the material, not just repeat it.
Repetition made Twain's words nonsensical, helping Everett find his unique voice for Jim.
insights INSIGHT
Challenging Jim's Simplicity
Everett's Jim is not simple or less intelligent, unlike Twain's portrayal.
Twain depicted slaves as simple, which Everett challenges by giving Jim depth and complexity.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Published in 1884 in the UK and 1885 in the US, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' is a sequel to Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'. The novel follows Huck Finn, a young boy who escapes his abusive father by faking his own death, and Jim, a runaway slave. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River on a raft. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including con artists and feuding families, and Huck grapples with moral dilemmas, particularly regarding his support for Jim despite the societal norms against helping a runaway slave. The novel is a critique of pre-Civil War American society, especially its treatment of slavery and racial issues, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of boyhood and its exploration of complex moral themes[1][3][5].
The Trees
Percival Everett
Javier Calvo
Jordi Martín Lloret
Erasure
Percival Everett
In 'Erasure', Thelonious 'Monk' Ellison, a professor of English literature and novelist, struggles with the publishing industry's expectations of what constitutes 'black enough' literature. Frustrated, Monk writes a parody of ghetto novels, titled 'My Pafology' or 'Fuck', which unexpectedly gains widespread acclaim and financial success under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh. The novel explores themes of identity, alienation, and the commodification of black experiences, while also delving into Monk's personal life, including his family's struggles and his own identity crisis[1][3][5].
James
Percival Everett
Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
A year ago, Percival Everett published his twenty-fourth novel, “James,” and it became a literary phenomenon. It won the National Book Award, and, just this week, was announced as the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. “James” offers a radically different perspective on the classic Mark Twain novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”: Everett centers his story on the character of Jim, who is escaping slavery. The New Yorker staff writer Julian Lucas is a longtime Everett fan, and talked with the novelist just after “James” was released. “My Jim—he’s not simple,” Everett tells Julian Lucas. “The Jim that’s represented in ‘Huck Finn’ is simple.”
The New Yorker Radio Hour 
