Overdue Podcast: Episode 706 - "James" by Percival Everett
Released on June 9, 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Overdue, the Headgum podcast where hosts Andrew and Craig dive into the books they've been meaning to read. Each week, they explore a new title from their backlog—ranging from classic literature to obscure plays and quirky children's books. In Episode 706, titled "James," Andrew and Craig unpack Percival Everett’s modern reimagining of Mark Twain’s seminal novel, "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Overview of "James" by Percival Everett
In this episode, Andrew and Craig delve into "James", Percival Everett’s Pulitzer Prize-winning retelling of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". Unlike the original, which is narrated from Huck's perspective, Everett shifts the focus to Jim—the runaway slave—and offers a profound exploration of his inner world, experiences, and evolving sense of agency.
Craig begins by outlining the book’s structure:
"The book is divided into three parts and part one is basically mostly Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of Jim..." (03:00).
Andrew adds, highlighting Jim’s personal journey:
"The book revolves around him in a way, but not in a way that, like, puts us into his head ever. And that's what the project of James is, is to put us in his head..." (03:00).
Percival Everett’s Literary Approach
Percival Everett, born in 1956 in Georgia and a distinguished professor at the University of Southern California, is renowned for his innovative approach to literature. Throughout his career, Everett has consistently recontextualized classic works from marginalized perspectives, providing fresh insights and challenging traditional narratives.
Andrew notes,
"He has been reimagining various seminal and very white works of literature and bringing the experience of the black characters to the forefront." (05:31).
This approach is not new to Everett. Craig references their prior discussions on Everett’s "Wind Done Gone", another retelling that centers Black protagonists, emphasizing Everett's commitment to giving voice to characters historically sidelined in classic literature.
Themes and Analysis of "James"
1. Language and Code-Switching
A significant theme in "James" is the use of language as a survival tool. Everett meticulously portrays how enslaved individuals employ code-switching to navigate oppressive environments.
Craig discusses a pivotal scene showcasing this:
"The book begins with a long expository passage about how enslaved people use coded language to communicate safely..." (35:23).
Jim's strategic use of language is a testament to his resilience and intelligence, highlighting the psychological toll of slavery and the necessity for such adaptations.
2. Agency and Identity
Everett's Jim undergoes a profound transformation, moving from a figure of subjugation to one of agency and self-determination. This evolution is central to the narrative, as Jim grapples with his identity and seeks to reclaim his autonomy.
Craig observes,
"Jim is experiencing an anger inside him and figuring out what to do with it." (10:26).
This internal struggle is mirrored in his interactions with other characters, particularly with Huck, emphasizing the personal costs of systemic oppression.
3. Violence and Retaliation
The narrative doesn't shy away from the brutality of slavery. Jim's journey is punctuated by moments of violence, both inflicted upon him and wrestled with internally as he contemplates retaliation.
Andrew reflects,
"Jim rebels against the injustices he faces, but he understands the consequences of violence in perpetuating the cycle of oppression." (72:16).
This nuanced portrayal challenges simplistic notions of resistance, presenting a character deeply conflicted by his circumstances.
4. Structural Playfulness
Everett employs a complex narrative structure, reminiscent of modern comedic sketches, to deliver profound commentary. The book's structural intricacies invite readers to engage deeply, decoding meanings beneath the surface.
Craig likens this to,
"a very thoughtful considered Key and Peele sketch—humorous yet layered with deeper insights." (40:15).
Plot Details
Part One: Jim’s Perspective on Huck Finn
The first section largely mirrors the original story but shifts the lens to Jim. This reframing allows Everett to explore Jim’s thoughts and feelings, providing a richer, more personal account of their journey down the Mississippi River.
Part Two: Separation and Introduction of Norman
As Jim and Huck become separated, Everett introduces Norman, another runaway slave capable of passing as white. This character adds complexity to the narrative, highlighting the varied experiences and strategies of enslaved individuals.
"With Norman, they can appear more openly in white society, contrasting the constant need for concealment seen with Jim and Huck." (57:03).
Part Three: Jim’s Quest for Freedom
In the final part, Jim embarks on a quest to reunite with his family, encountering numerous challenges that test his resolve and agency. This section culminates in a climactic confrontation where Jim, driven by anger and a desire for justice, takes decisive action against a cruel plantation owner.
Craig narrates the intense final scenes:
"Jim pulls back the hammer on his pistol... he cocked his weapon... the shot I fired rang through that valley like a cannon blast." (80:45).
This act signifies Jim’s transformation from a passive figure to one actively shaping his destiny.
Reception and Pulitzer Prize
"James" received critical acclaim, culminating in winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in June 2025. The hosts discuss the award's significance and the process leading to Everett’s triumph.
Andrew explains the selection process:
"The jury put forward three finalists but didn’t reach a majority, so they selected 'James' as an alternative option." (24:22).
Craig adds, emphasizing the book’s impact:
"Dwight Garner from The New York Times praised it as 'a tangled and subversive homage,' suggesting it should be read alongside Twain’s original." (82:14).
The Pulitzer victory underscores Everett’s successful reimagining and the book’s resonance within contemporary literary discourse.
Notable Quotes
Throughout their discussion, Andrew and Craig highlight several impactful quotes from both the book and critical reviews:
-
From the New York Times Review by Dwight Garner:
“Heaven for the climate. Hell for my long awaited lunch with Mark Twain.” (83:38) -
In-House Joke Reflecting Jim’s Complexity:
"I always tell the truth, but also I always lie." (17:26) -
Jim’s Assertion of Identity:
“I will just say he did pretty much take Tom Sawyer out of it.” (10:41)
These quotes encapsulate the book’s thematic depth and Everett’s stylistic prowess.
Conclusion
Andrew and Craig conclude their discussion by lauding "James" as an accessible entry point into Percival Everett’s body of work. They appreciate how Everett marries structural innovation with profound thematic exploration, making complex subjects like slavery and racial identity both engaging and thought-provoking.
Craig remarks,
"But then you do a bunch of other interesting stuff and you're, like, a good writer and you're doing fun things with, like, structure and narrative. Yeah, like, I'm here for this." (81:50).
Andrew echoes this sentiment, highlighting the book’s blend of homage and originality:
"It has all the hallmarks of an Everett novel, but the humanity is like turned up." (84:06).
For listeners seeking a compelling mix of classic reinterpretation and modern literary craft, "James" stands out as a must-read, as endorsed by the enthusiastic discourse between Andrew and Craig.
Connect with Overdue
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