Podcast Summary: The Book Review – Book Club Episode on "James" by Percival Everett

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Book Review
• Host/Author: The New York Times
• Episode: Book Club: 'James,' by Percival Everett (Rerun)
• Release Date: November 29, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging Book Club episode of The Book Review podcast, host MJ Franklin leads a deep dive into Percival Everett's acclaimed novel, "James." Joining her are returning experts Joumana Khatib and Greg Coles, who provide insightful analyses and thoughtful discussions. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of Everett's innovative retelling of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, highlighting the novel's themes, character developments, and its transformative approach to a literary classic.

Synopsis of "James"

MJ Franklin begins with a succinct synopsis of "James," emphasizing its foundation as a retelling of Twain's Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, renamed James. This narrative shift allows Everett to explore deeper dimensions of James's character and the broader implications of slavery and identity.

MJ Franklin [02:08]: "James is Percival Everett's latest novel and it's a retelling of Huckleberry Finn, this time told from Jim's perspective, or I should say James."

Retelling vs. Reimagining: A Critical Perspective

The discussion kicks off with a reader question about whether "James" should be categorized as a retelling, reimagining, homage, or subversive revision of Twain's work. Greg Coles argues that the novel embodies all these elements, serving as a corrective to the original portrayal of Jim.

Greg Coles [05:03]: "I keep calling it a corrective because the Twain Huck becomes a fully realized figure in Huckleberry Finn, but Jim never really does. He's always kind of othered in there."

Joumana Khatib concurs, highlighting the novel's subversive nature and its role in reclaiming and asserting the power of language for enslaved individuals.

Joumana Khatib [07:19]: "One of the major themes in this book is just how dangerous and risky language is and claiming it for yourself with wielding it for yourself."

Themes Explored in "James"

Language and Code-Switching

A central theme in "James" is the manipulation and significance of language. James and other enslaved characters engage in code-switching as a survival strategy, altering their speech patterns to navigate dangerous social landscapes.

MJ Franklin [23:05]: "Language is not just a way of asserting yourself, but now it's this tool for survival."

The novel underscores the peril associated with language acquisition and expression under oppressive systems.

Power of Writing and Storytelling

The motif of the pencil symbolizes the power of narrative and the act of writing one's own story. James's theft of a pencil to document his experiences represents a radical assertion of agency.

MJ Franklin [21:15]: "The pencil was this perfect symbol that did so many things. It quite literally is a symbol of the retelling."

Violence and Oppression

Everett does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of slavery, contrasting Twain's more subdued approach. The pervasive violence serves to highlight the constant threats faced by enslaved individuals.

Greg Coles [25:48]: "There's violence throughout it. Very early on we hear about a runaway slave who's been killed in this act of mob violence."

Character Development and Relationships

James as a Multifaceted Protagonist

James is portrayed not merely as a side character but as the novel's central figure, embodying intelligence, philosophical depth, and resilience. His duality—publicly appearing simple while privately being intellectually formidable—adds complexity to his character.

Greg Coles [06:07]: "James is actually a hyper aware intellectual, a philosopher, a linguist, and he's code switching and playing dumb for his own safety."

The Revelation: Huck as James's Son

A pivotal moment in the novel is the revelation that Huck Finn is actually James's son, adding layers of personal and cultural significance to the narrative.

MJ Franklin [33:26]: "Toward the end of the book, you find out that James is Huck's father."

This twist recontextualizes the entire story, challenging readers' preconceived notions and deepening the novel’s exploration of identity and legacy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James’s Dual Identity:

  "James thinks my change in diction alerted the rest to the white boys presence. So my performance for the boys became a frame for my story."
  — MJ Franklin [21:50]

• Greg Coles on Language and Power:

  "The punishment for stealing the pencil be death. It speaks not only to the power of language, but the danger of language."
  — Greg Coles [26:48]

• Joumana Khatib on Cultural Whitewashing:

  "This book makes it literal [that Huck Finn is influenced by black cultural production]."
  — Joumana Khatib [37:42]

Reader Reactions and Testimonials

The episode features several reader comments that reflect the novel's impact:

• Rhonda from Seattle:

  "James is not a sidekick. He's actually the heart and soul of the novel... James's journey to freedom is harrowing and glorious."

• Terry from Indianapolis:

  "I'm so glad I listened to James in audio. The vocal distinctions added depth I might have missed reading it."

• Earl from Texas:

  "Percival has brought brilliant insight into James the Man. This is indeed the story that needed to be told."

Book Recommendations: Favorite Classics

In the latter segment, the hosts share their favorite classic novels, connecting their appreciation for "James" with broader literary tastes:

• Greg Coles: Middlemarch by George Eliot
• Joumana Khatib: Portrait of a Lady and A Passage to India by Forrester
• MJ Franklin: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

These recommendations underscore the hosts' appreciation for novels that explore complex social themes and character dynamics.

Conclusion

The Book Review's Book Club episode on "James" by Percival Everett offers a rich, multifaceted exploration of a novel that redefines a literary classic. Through thoughtful analysis and engaging discussion, hosts MJ Franklin, Joumana Khatib, and Greg Coles illuminate the novel's intricate themes of language, identity, and resistance. They commend Everett's ability to infuse new life into Huckleberry Finn, presenting a narrative that is both a homage and a profound critique of its source material. Listener testimonials further reinforce the novel's significance and the podcast's role in fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary literature.

Note: For those interested in exploring more about "James" and joining the ongoing conversation, the podcast encourages visiting the New York Times website for the related article and sharing thoughts in the comments section.