By Emilia Gamble
In Percival Everett’s novel “James,” readers follow the story of James (otherwise known as Jim), an enslaved man on the farm of Huckleberry Finn. Everett retells the story of Huckleberry Finn, but this time through James’ lens. James becomes the center of the story, not just a background character, and readers get to see the world through his thoughts and experiences. The novel explores many themes, including racial conflict, freedom, and the importance of intelligence.
Everett makes an attack on hypocrisy/irony surrounding racial injustice and moral superiority, which is not only prevalent in the book, but in our society. This felt powerful, as it applies heavily to political issues we still face to this day.
Through his novel, Everett exposes the true colors of many people in society, those who claimed to believe in ‘All men were made equal,’ while still supporting systems that contradict that. We see this very clearly portrayed in the character Emmett, who does just that. James comments on this directly, saying, “A man who refused to own slaves but was not opposed to others owning slaves was still a slaver, to my thinking.” (p. 176)
The lack of supporting action readers see (or perhaps don’t see) from Emmett is enough to make clear: his opposition to slavery is really none at all. His shallow words and innate inaction feel more familiar than anything. Historically, so-called ‘enlightened thinkers’ acted this way as well. Today, political candidates, leaders, and even personal role models behave just as Emmett did.
This contradiction becomes even more ironic when considering that Emmett’s life’s work involves directly mocking Black people. While he claims to disagree with slavery, he participates in the very culture that dehumanizes the people he claims to sympathize with. Through the character of Emmett, Everett reveals the uncomfortable truth of many people’s true morals, even those who claim to be morally superior or “good.”
The larger message from Everett is clear: morality without action is meaningless, and true integrity requires sacrifice. This forces readers to question historical figures and even their own willingness to act when confronted with injustice.
I would strongly recommend “James” to readers who are particularly interested in social studies, Black American History, or those looking for literature that comments directly on social/political issues. I found Everett’s writing to be thoughtful yet bold, and at times even uncomfortable. It brings readers to question the morals of not only those in power, but those around you. Everett’s use of irony/hypocrisy throughout the novel shows the shallow claims of many who can claim to ‘stand for justice’ while actively taking part in passive injustice.
Ultimately, with “James,” Everett redefines the meaning of this story and challenges a reconsideration of our own morals and those around us.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This page was made possible thanks to English Professor Paula LaRochelle, who gave students in her English 1118 class the option to write a shorter version of their book review for publication. The two published in this issue were chosen by Echo Staff from nine submissions.
Our thanks to the other students who submitted work: Lyndee Dedlmajer, Taylor Kurtz, Aidan Steele, Elayna Domaille, Iris Anderson, Suwah Kulee, and Annie Heindel.