This was so highly anticipated I waited to read it until the end of the year just because I already didn’t want it to be over, and it truly lived up to the hype. I’m only familiar with the broad strokes of the original story, so I kind of want to go back to get more detail, but didn’t really feel like I was missing anything by not having those details. As with other Percival Everett books, this delivered on impactful prose, distinctive characters, bleak humor, and a thoughtfully rendered voice plot. James is one of the most memorable characters I have read this year, and the end of the book especially will stick with me for a long time. If all the awards and best-of lists can’t convince you, let this be your sign to read this one asap!