A Book A Week

Author Percival Everett has built a career on writing sharp, satirical novels that delve into the complexities of race and identity without taking himself too seriously. His 2021 novel Trees, for instance, combines a gripping murder mystery with America’s tragic history of lynchings, all while finding humor in the absurdity of racism. More recently, he reimagined Mark Twain's classic Huck Finn story, giving agency to the enslaved side character James and retelling the narrative from his perspective. This approach isn't new for Everett; his 2001 novel Erasure showcases his longstanding commitment to these themes. Erasure has gained renewed attention with its adaptation into the Best Picture-nominated film American Fiction. The movie brings that story to life in a way that perfectly captures the tone of Evertt's brilliant writing. 

Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, played by Jeffery Wright, has carved out a respectable career as an author and writing professor in LA. Unfortunately, his novels, acclaimed by literary critics for their philosophical depth and references to Greek mythology, don't translate to commercial success. Monk's latest manuscript is repeatedly rejected, with the troubling feedback that his writing isn’t "Black enough."

Monk grapples with this criticism. How can an African American man write something that isn’t "Black enough?" It’s only when he attends a writing conference that he understands what the publishers mean. In stark contrast to his poorly attended panel, author Sintara Golden's interview about her bestseller We Lives in Da Ghetto is packed, with readers eagerly absorbing every word of her stereotypical narrative. Faced with his elderly mother's declining health and his own lack of sales, Monk pens My Pafology, a satirical novel mocking the clichés expected from Black writers—melodramatic plots, deadbeat dads, gang violence, and drugs. To his astonishment, the book sparks a bidding war. Now, Monk is torn between staying true to his professional principles or selling out to achieve the success he has always dreamed of.

Making his feature directorial debut, Cord Jefferson masterfully adapts Everett's novel, bringing the story to life with a blend of timeliness and emotional depth. The ensemble cast delivers authentic performances that draw viewers into the larger themes of the narrative, such as racism, classism, and the personal consequences of not staying true to oneself. The film balances humor and conflict with a few tear-jerking moments along the way. Its clever and unique conclusion is one of the most memorable endings I've seen in a long time. Overall, American Fiction entertains while subtly engaging your deeper thoughts, compelling you to confront the significant themes the characters navigate.

Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a cornerstone of American literature, garnering both admiration and critique since its initial publication in 1885. While celebrated as a quintessential "great American novel," its legacy is not devoid of controversy. Early detractors took issue with its use of vernacular English and its meandering narrative, following the exploits of the eponymous Finn as he navigates the Mississippi River. In more contemporary times, scrutiny has intensified over its portrayal of race, particularly its liberal use of the n-word throughout the text. Nevertheless, Twain's exploration of boyhood and his satirical commentary on America's entrenched racial attitudes and notions of freedom render the novel a rich subject for study and reflection.

Author Percival Everett, renowned for his incisive wit and willingness to tackle contentious themes, brings his formidable talent to bear in reimagining Twain's classic work. With a career spanning four decades, Everett has crafted sharp, thought-provoking novels that push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. Upon learning of his latest endeavor, a reinterpretation of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn titled James, I anticipated a literary treat. Few writers are as adept as Everett at navigating the complex interplay of tones and themes present in Twain's seminal work. After all, this is the same author who masterfully blended comedy with a narrative on lynching in his 2021 novel The Trees, a feat that seemed impossible until I experienced it firsthand. Armed with high expectations, I eagerly delved into James, poised to witness Everett's unique perspective on this timeless tale.

As the title implies, James offers a fresh perspective by narrating the story through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Finn on his adventures in the original narrative. Percival Everett immediately distinguishes Jim from his portrayal in the original text by endowing him with an intellect that defies the era's expectations. Jim and his fellow enslaved individuals lead a dual existence, seamlessly transitioning between sophisticated English when among themselves and deliberately employing "incorrect grammar" in the presence of their white owners. Through this simple yet powerful device, Everett exposes the absurdity of racism in America, highlighting how the enslaved people consciously contribute to perpetuating the illusion of Black inferiority for their own safety.

While the novel adheres to many of the original storyline's beats, Everett injects a clearer sense of purpose by orchestrating Jim's escape from enslavement after a botched theft. Concealed in the underbrush, Jim encounters Finn, who has staged his own demise and seeks refuge. Predictably, the white populace implicates Jim in Finn's supposed demise, triggering a relentless manhunt. This imbues James with a sense of urgency absent from Twain's original text. While retaining familiarity with key plot points, Everett introduces fresh scenarios that heighten tension and the underlying social commentary permeating the narrative. Whether or not readers are acquainted with Mark Twain's source material, Everett's reimagining offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. For those familiar with the original work, Everett's additions infuse the story with an enhanced sense of humanity. James is another stellar addition to Everett's oeuvre, showcasing his adeptness at crafting intricate plots, nuanced character development, incisive humor, and poignant social critique.

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(2024, 23)