Percival Everett’s novel “James” won the National Book Award for fiction, retelling “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of Huck’s slave companion, Jim. The book explores Jim’s thoughts on racism and his experiences during the adventures when white people weren’t present. Everett spoke about the power of books to bring people together in challenging times during his acceptance speech. He was inspired to write “James” while playing tennis when he wondered if Huck Finn had ever been told from Jim’s point of view. Jim, who is a literate and thoughtful character in Everett’s version, navigates racism to survive. Critics have praised the book as a “slyly funny masterpiece.” This latest accolade adds to Everett’s long list of literary achievements, including being shortlisted for the Booker Prize and receiving a Pulitzer Prize nomination. The National Book Foundation also awarded Jason De León’s “Soldiers and Kings” in the nonfiction category and honored Barbara Kingsolver and W. Paul Coates with lifetime achievement awards. Critics have criticized the decision to honor Coates due to his press reprinting an essay deemed antisemitic. However, the foundation defended the decision, stating that Coates was being honored for his body of work rather than any individual publication, and that they condemn anti-Semitism and bigotry while valuing free expression.
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‘James’ by Percival Everett honored with National Book Award for fiction
