James is the best novel released in 2024 that I have read so far in 2024.
What a relief it is to make that statement without any concern about being overly praiseworthy. After reviewing my book journal, I couldn't locate another 2024 novel finished between January-September that closely rivals Percival Everett's re-imagining of Huckleberry Finn told through the lens of Jim.
"...where does a slave put anger? We could be angry with one another; we were human. But the real source of our rage had to go without address, swallowed, repressed."
My insatiable hunger for books combined with the pledge I made in 2011 to publish posts about only the ones that move me has sometimes made it challenging to find fresh ways to say "wow". No such challenge when it comes to James. This is exceptional literature.
"I hated the world that wouldn't let me apply justice without the certain retaliation of injustice."
Having so many discerning readers in my life is a gift I do not take for granted. To any of those folks who happen to be reading this post and recommended James to me - I owe you one. Wow.
" 'And who are you?'
'I am James'
'James who?'
'Just James' ".
Thanks for the book recommendation. I am reading "Soil" by Camille T. Dungy. I love it. I think Herb recommended this book to Alan who also loved it.
ReplyDeleteJoan; I recall Herb recommending this book while we were all in Colorado together; thanks for bringing it back onto my radar. And, as you can see below, a good friend and faithful reader of my blog reminded you of the author of "James" - Percival Everett, also mentioned in the second sentence of the second paragraph in the post itself.
DeleteI just looked up "James". Who wrote it? There are several books in our library with that title. Joan
ReplyDeleteJames by Percival Everett. It is a re-imaging of the story of the slave Jim from Huckleberry Finn written from his perspective. I re-read Huckleberry Finn prior to reading this book which brought the difference in perspective into sharp focus for me. As Pat says, it is a beautifully written book.
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