![cover of \"James\" by Percival Everett](\"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/James_cover-199x300.jpg\")
\nIn Percival Everett\u2019s novel \u201cJames,\u201d 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\u2019 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.
\nEverett 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.
\nThrough his novel, Everett exposes the true colors of many people in society, those who claimed to believe in \u2018All men were made equal,\u2019 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, \u201cA man who refused to own slaves but was not opposed to others owning slaves was still a slaver, to my thinking.\u201d (p. 176)
\nThe lack of supporting action readers see (or perhaps don\u2019t 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 \u2018enlightened thinkers\u2019 acted this way as well. Today, political candidates, leaders, and even personal role models behave just as Emmett did.
\nThis contradiction becomes even more ironic when considering that Emmett\u2019s life\u2019s 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\u2019s true morals, even those who claim to be morally superior or \u201cgood.\u201d
\nThe 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.
\nI would strongly recommend \u201cJames\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s use of irony\/hypocrisy throughout the novel shows the shallow claims of many who can claim to \u2018stand for justice\u2019 while actively taking part in passive injustice.
\nUltimately, with \u201cJames,\u201d Everett redefines the meaning of this story and challenges a reconsideration of our own morals and those around us.<\/p>\n