There’s always something fascinating about a book that reimagines a classic, particularly when it does so in a way that reclaims a silenced voice. Percival Everett’s ‘James’ is not just a retelling of ‘Huckleberry Finn’ but rather a complete reframing, pulling focus from Huck and placing it where it should have been all along: with James (formerly Jim), the enslaved man whose story was never truly his own. It’s a bold, intricate, and often darkly funny novel that takes Twain’s original and turns it into something far more complex and self-aware.
Everett’s take is much more than just ‘Huckleberry Finn’ from a different perspective. By making James the narrator, the novel shifts not only in viewpoint but in tone, depth, and intent. The adventure novel transforms into something more introspective and unsettling, as James navigates a world that constantly seeks to define him. His secret literacy becomes a powerful act of rebellion, a tool as dangerous as any weapon. The novel doesn’t just highlight James’ intelligence—it makes it the beating heart of the story, allowing him the space to think, question, and push back against a society that refuses to see his humanity.
Despite the weighty themes, Everett laces the novel with irony and dark humour, often exposing the absurdity of racist logic. There’s an uncomfortable brilliance in moments like James teaching enslaved children how to mimic the speech patterns expected by white people, leaning into the stereotype in a way that highlights its ridiculousness.
Dominic Hoffman’s performance is nothing short of masterful. It’s one thing to narrate a book; it’s another to ‘inhabit’ it, and Hoffman does exactly that. His pacing is impeccable, balancing the novel’s emotional weight with its ironic wit. He gives distinct voices to each character, from the exaggerated dialects forced upon enslaved people to the surreal, almost ethereal conversations James has with Voltaire in both his philosophical contemplations and fever dreams. His ability to highlight the novel’s linguistic depth, particularly in James’ hidden knowledge and linguistic dexterity, is what makes this audiobook so compelling.
One of the novel’s central themes is the power of language, and Dominic Hoffman’s audiobook narration amplifies this in a way that makes it impossible to ignore. His delivery of James’ internal monologues, shifting cadences, and sharp awareness of tone elevate the already rich text.
Everett has created something extraordinary with ‘James’, and in audiobook format, it takes on an entirely new dimension. Hoffman’s narration doesn’t just complement the text; it ‘deepens’ it, adding layers of emotion, satire, and urgency that might be missed on the page. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in literature that reclaims and re-examines history, particularly through the lens of race, power, and language.
In my opinion, ‘James’ is an absolute standout, both in its written and audiobook format.
