James Audiobook By Percival Everett cover art

James

A Novel

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James

By: Percival Everett
Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman
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About this listen

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER • ONE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE • KIRKUS PRIZE WINNER • A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and darkly humorous, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view

In development as a feature film to be produced by Steven Spielberg • A Best Book of the Year: The New York Times Book Review, LA Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, TIME, and more.

"Genius"—The Atlantic • "A masterpiece that will help redefine one of the classics of American literature, while also being a major achievement on its own."—Chicago Tribune • "A provocative, enlightening literary work of art."—The Boston Globe • "Everett’s most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful."—The New York Times

When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.

Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.

©2024 Percival Everett (P)2024 Random House Audio
Editor's Select Fiction Historical Fiction Satire Comedy Funny Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Adventure Mississippi
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Critic reviews

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND THE KIRKUS PRIZE FOR FICTION | BARNES & NOBLE'S 2024 BOOK OF THE YEAR

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORKER, NPR, THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW, THE ECONOMIST, THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, AND VANITY FAIR, AMONG OTHERS...

“The cult favorite author’s electric new work. . . James completely reimagines one-half of Finn’s famous duo, elevating him from unwitting sidekick to reluctant hero. . . Everett brings that laser-sharp wit to James, creating a radical new American adventure.”—W Magazine

“James offers page-turning excitement but also off-kilter philosophical picaresque. . . Gripping, painful, funny, horrifying, this is multi-level entertainment, a consummate performance to the last."—The Guardian

“Blasted clean of Twain’s characterization, Jim emerges here as a man of great dignity, altruism, and intelligence. . . Clever, soulful, and full of righteous rage, [Jim’s] long-silenced voice resounds through this remarkable novel. Subversive and thrilling, James is destined to become a modern classic.”—Esquire

Editorial Review

A radical reimagining
In the wake of Percival Everett's renewed attention for Erasure, the 2001 novel that inspired the Oscar-nominated film American Fiction, the author is once again sweeping the literary world off its feet, taking us on a journey down the Ohio River that just as swiftly subverts racist stereotypes in storytelling today. James, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s perspective, can’t help but make a stir in the publishing world, as it places a radical spin on what is not only one of the most challenged classics in public libraries but one of the most frequently debated American satires of all time. Narrator Dominic Hoffman, who recently wowed with his melting pot of accents in James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, expands Jim’s narrative with dignity and grace while preserving the character’s signature dialect. —Haley H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about James

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A masterpiece and true American Classic.

This book has the power to heal the soul of America like no other. If America wants to heal, here is our medicine. Truth. Humanity. Intelligence. Practicality. I can’t celebrate this book any more.

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This is the real story of Huck…

I checked out the audiobook of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as read by Elijah Wood. It did not make the same impression as it did when I was a young boy, but it was well done. It was still an adventure but I recognized the gaps with reality. I had read the reviews of James and I was interested in how the story would present itself. I typically only listen to audio books while I am walking. I walked a lot this week! As an old white man of 77, I felt emotionally as if I was James and I was never sure how I would end up. Again, I recognize the gaps with reality, but It is a story that is well told.

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amazing book!

starts from Twain's classic and, if anything, exceeds it. compelling, human, and all around wonderful.

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Refreshing

This is such a refreshing take on an old tale, and told so well it, virtually sings.

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Thought provoking

My book club has decided to read James and then Huckleberry Finn. I just finished James and have been lost in thought about this amazing, eye opening story from a point of view that has long needed to be told.
I am anxious to reread Huck Finn and discuss the two books with my friends.

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Enthralling, sobering, superbly narrated

If such a thing is even possible, one begins to feel what it is like to be a slave. The story is superbly related and Dominic Hoffman is a terrific reader/narrator. This is the third book I’ve heard read by him. The other two are James McBride’s Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and Deacon King Kong. All three are top notch, beyond compare.

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SeeHuck Finn’s world through James’ eyes.

The writing, story and narration were all superb. Percival Everett never disappoints. While having a story all wrapped up at the end can be satisfying, Mr. Everett often leaves the “what happened next” piece to the reader’s imagination. I enjoy that openness and the way it draws me into the story.

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WISDOM

Everyone should read JAMES and give as a gift to another friend or stranger. Mr.Evertt is an excellent writer, his characters are alive and authentic. Worth a read.
Thank you for your wisdom and your gift of writing.

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The adventure of Huckleberry Finn and James

I could not put the book down once I started reading. Listening to the Audiobook as I read was an excellent way to immerse myself in this retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of the Runaway “Jim.”

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The story was true , James was realistic it was relatable.

James is a great novel, the author Percival Everett is a great storyteller. A good read .

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