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Historical · Adventure

James

by Percival Everett

4.3 out of 5, from 685 ratings from Hardcover readers

A retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of Jim, the enslaved man who runs away down the river. Jim is far smarter and more guarded than the original lets him be, and the story turns darker and sharper.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2024
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
320
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you want a fresh, sharp-edged take on a classic that gives its overlooked character a voice.

Skip this if you want a gentle read, since it deals directly with slavery and its violence.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Slavery
  • Racism
  • Violence
  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Racial slurs
  • Rape
  • Sexual violence
  • Hate crime
  • Murder
  • Sexual assault

Quick answers about James

What is James about?
A retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of Jim, the enslaved man who runs away down the river. Jim is far smarter and more guarded than the original lets him be, and the story turns darker and sharper.
Who should read James?
Read it if you want a fresh, sharp-edged take on a classic that gives its overlooked character a voice. Skip it if you want a gentle read, since it deals directly with slavery and its violence.
How long and how fast is James?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 320 pages, first published in 2024.
Does James have content warnings?
Content we flag: Slavery, Racism, Violence, Death.
Can I borrow James for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends James; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after James?
Readers who liked it often move on to Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Beloved, Kindred.

Where to get it

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