AlexandriaLibraryVA discussion

James is a retelling of Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which is widely regarded as a classic work of American literature. Have you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before? How does Everett subvert Twain's original text? Did this reimagination change your perspective on the original novel?

Reflect on Jim's narration. Why does he switch between vernacular and standardized English? How did this switching affect your reading?

Describe Huck's role in the story. How does Jim's fugitive status, as well as race, color, class, age, and education, influence the relationship between the two characters?

The Mississippi River is central to the landscape of the novel. What is the role of the river? How did it shape the political landscape of the region and events of the novel?

After reading James, can you think of another character from a classic text that you would like to read as the narrator of their own story?

Join one of our discussions groups to talk about James:
Thursday Afternoon Book Discussion -April 3rd from 1:30-2:30pm at Duncan Branch (2501 Commonwealth Ave)
Let's Talk Books - Monday, April 14 join us virtually from 7:00pm - 8:00pm to discuss James
Burke Book Club - Wednesday, April 23 join us virtually from 3:30pm - 5:00pm to discuss James