This Novel Puts A New, Jazz-Inspired Spin On A Mark Twain Classic

There’s little doubt that “Huckleberry Finn” is an important work of American literature, but its controversial subject matter — particularly its treatment of a slave named Jim — has opened it up to plenty of modern-day criticism.

That’s where writer Percival Everett comes in. He’s written a novel called “James” that seeks to retell the same basic story, but from the perspective of the slave.

More about the author

In addition to writing this and other complex novels, Everett is also widely known as a jazz musician. Using some of the flourishes and improvisation that has made his music so unique, he crafted “James” as a deep dive into familiar characters that will leave readers wondering exactly what he was trying to do in this book.

And judging from some of his earlier work, that was probably his plan all along.

The recently released film “American Fiction” is based on his 2001 book “Erasure” and tells the story of a Black author who grows disillusioned by the publishing industry’s rejection of his high-concept writing. In order to make his annoyance known, he writes a protest novel that utilizes offensive tropes about his own race.

Instead of making a statement, however, he becomes a celebrated figure … particularly among White academics.

Building on his background

More than two decades after writing “Erasure,” Everett seems to be bringing his unique ability to craft indirect social commentary to his retelling of Twain’s late-19th century novel.

The main character and other Blacks he encounters along the way find opportunities to express their derision in a manner that goes over the heads of White characters.

“It’s never occurred to them that we might find them mockable,” he said.

Or perhaps there’s another motivation. As James himself says in the novel: “White people love feeling guilty.”

Chris Agee March 13th, 2024

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