NPR's Book of the Day: Percival Everett on "James," a Retelling of "Huckleberry Finn"

Release Date: December 30, 2024
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: Percival Everett

Introduction to Percival Everett and His Work

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong welcomes acclaimed author Percival Everett, known for his diverse and ambitious literary repertoire. Everett has recently gained recognition for his 2001 novel Erasure, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film American Fiction. His latest work, James, offers a fresh perspective on Mark Twain's classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Everett's Literary Journey and Background

Andrew Limbong provides an overview of Everett's prolific writing career, highlighting his ability to traverse various genres with ease. From the philosophical musings in Dr. No, a James Bond parody, to the historical thriller The Trees, Everett demonstrates a penchant for blending humor with deep societal issues. His previous work, Telephone, explores themes of loss and grief, further showcasing his versatility.

"James" – A New Voice in a Classic Tale

Everett introduces his newest book, James, a retelling of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of Jim Huck's friend escaping slavery. When asked about his motivation, Everett explains:

"I did read the novel some 15 times in a row so that I could be sick of it, so that I could lose it. I didn't want to, you know, regurgitate the scenes, which are fairly remarkable and entertaining. So I had to own the material." [00:55]

This intense engagement with the source material allowed Everett to reinterpret the story in a way that centers the voice of an enslaved person, offering a nuanced exploration of identity and narrative ownership.

Owning the Material: Everett's Reinterpretation Process

Everett discusses his approach to reimagining Huckleberry Finn:

"My writing James is not in any way an indictment of Twain at all. It doesn't come from any disdain or dissatisfaction that I feel with the novel. I'm writing the novel that Twain was not ill-equipped but unequipped to create. That being Jim's story." [03:13]

He emphasizes that James is a discourse with Twain, aiming to tell Jim's story authentically—a narrative Twain did not fully capture.

Humor Through Irony in "James"

Known for his ironic wit, Everett delves into the humorous aspects of James. When queried about the humor in his new book, he remarks:

"I don't try to write. I don't try to be funny. In fact, when I start talking about humor, everything becomes terribly dry and unfunny. So it's more a worldview than it is anything else." [05:25]

This intrinsic irony naturally infuses James with humor, distinguishing it from conventional retellings.

Language and Communication in Oppressive Contexts

A significant departure from Twain's narrative is the portrayal of Jim's language in James. Unlike in Huck Finn, where Jim often uses vernacular speech to navigate his oppressive environment, in James, Jim can read, write, and speak proper English. Everett explains:

"Oppressed people in oppressive situations use language the same way we always use language to communicate. What they have to do is communicate in a way that doesn't allow their oppressors to have access." [08:22]

This multilingual approach underscores the survival mechanisms employed by marginalized communities.

Addressing the Controversy Surrounding "Huckleberry Finn"

Huckleberry Finn has long been a subject of controversy due to its use of racial slurs and portrayal of slavery. Everett shares his perspective on the debates surrounding the original novel:

"You know, anyone who wants to ban Huck Finn hasn't read it. I understand the bristling at the use of the word 'nigger,' and I say that word because that is the word. Inward isn't a safe word." [11:07]

He argues that the context and intention behind the language are crucial, advocating for a deeper understanding rather than censorship.

Critique of Historical Figures in "James"

In James, Everett incorporates figures like Daniel Decatur Emmett, the composer associated with the Confederate anthem "Dixie." He critiques the historical appropriation of black culture by white performers:

"Decatur was from the North. He wasn't a Southerner at all. He wrote these songs... performing in blackface and doing as is performed in the James," Everett elaborates. This inclusion highlights the complexities and ironies of cultural appropriation and the commodification of black identity.

Everett's Perspective on Literary Impact

Reflecting on the potential influence of James, Everett remains modest yet hopeful:

"We're not a reading culture. Maybe I can participate with this book and some others in changing how many people read. I don't know. That's always our dream, but I don't have any great expectations of that." [14:45]

He acknowledges the challenges of shaping public discourse through literature but remains dedicated to his craft.

Conclusion

Percival Everett's James offers a compelling and innovative retelling of a beloved classic, infusing it with fresh perspectives and critical insights. Through his seasoned storytelling and nuanced explorations of language, humor, and historical context, Everett invites readers to engage with familiar narratives in transformative ways.

Notable Quotes:

• Percival Everett on Owning the Material:
  “I did read the novel some 15 times in a row so that I could be sick of it, so that I could lose it.” [00:55]

• Everett on Response to Twain:
  “My writing James is not in any way an indictment of Twain at all.” [03:13]

• On Humor Through Irony:
  “It's more a worldview than it is anything else.” [05:25]

• Language in Oppression:
  “Oppressed people in oppressive situations use language the same way we always use language to communicate.” [08:22]

• On Controversy and Language Use:
  “Inward isn't a safe word.” [11:07]

Whether you're a long-time admirer of Mark Twain or a new reader seeking contemporary reinterpretations, Percival Everett's James promises a thought-provoking and enriching literary experience.