When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, he decides to hide until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father. Thus begins the dangerous journey down the Mississippi River toward the elusive promise of the Free States.

JAMES isn't just another retelling or reimagining of Mark Twain's classic THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN; it's a bold and thought-provoking adaptation that skillfully flips the script on the familiar characters. In this novel, Everett shifts the narrative focus from Huck to James. While James is relegated to the background in Twain's original tale, he takes center stage in Everett's novel, allowing readers to delve into his compelling journey.

JAMES marks my third encounter with Everett's work, and maybe my favorite, competing closely with ERASURE. Despite its brevity, the novel packs a powerful punch, demonstrating Everett's mastery in crafting a narrative that is both concise and impactful and delivering a profound exploration of the Black American experience, particularly during the era of slavery.

One of the remarkable aspects of JAMES is its accessibility to readers unfamiliar with HUCK FINN. As someone who didn't read Twain's classic, I was engrossed in Everett's storytelling without feeling like I was missing out on essential context. This speaks to Everett's ability to create a standalone work that resonates independently while also offering a unique perspective to those familiar with the source material.

Everett's brilliance as a literary genius shines through in his ability to infuse fresh ideas into a setting that has been explored by many. JAMES becomes not just an homage to classics but a provocative play on them, challenging readers to reconsider the characters relegated to the background. JAMES prompts us to ask, "What did we miss?" in the original narratives and encourages a reevaluation of our understanding of these literary figures.

In essence, JAMES is a captivating ode to classics that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking. Everett's storytelling prowess elevates this adaptation, making it a must-read for those intrigued by inventive takes on timeless tales and a compelling exploration of the Black American experience.