This is a rewriting of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. When Jim finds out he’s about to be sold, he runs. At the same time, Huck fakes his own death and also runs away after his abusive father returns. They meet up along the Mississippi River, setting out on their historic adventure.

In James, Jim is an intelligent, literate black man. He has a heart, a conscience, and a will to live. Ruminating on the morality of owning people and what the color of skin really means, Jim encounters Voltaire and Locke in his dreams, asking questions that leave the readers pondering. Throughout the tales of adventure we see both Jim as an endearing character and the problematic views of racial hierarchy.

I loved this book. It was deep. It made my heart ache with injustice. It was moving and perplexing, witty and intelligent, a true literary genius of a book! Everyone should read it, discuss it, and sit with the tension it brings to light.