Percival Everett won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for his novel James, a modern masterpiece that retells The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck on his journey down the Mississippi River. This week, Jeff and Rebecca discuss what Everett does with Jim's interiority and intelligence that Twain couldn't, how the novel's central conceit literalizes W.E.B. Du Bois's theory of double consciousness, and how Everett pulled off making a book that is layered and intellectually rich into a genuine page-turner.

Subscribe to our free newsletter, and become a member for access to early, ad-free listening and bonus content.

Follow Zero to Well-Read on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Email us: [email protected]

Thank you to ThriftBooks for being the presenting sponsor of this season of Zero to Well-Read!

Zero to Well-Read is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network.

Use code THEBOOKS for 20% off at Cozy Earth.

Go to quince.com/bookriot for free shipping and 365-day returns.

This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices