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James
- Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman
- Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
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James
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Summary
From the author of The Trees, shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and Erasure, adapted into the Oscar-winning film American Fiction.
'Truly extraordinary books are rare, and this is one of them' – Roddy Doyle, Booker Prize-winning author of Paddy Clarke, Ha Ha Ha
Enthralling and ferociously funny, James by Percival Everett is a profound meditation on identity, belonging and the sacrifices we make to protect the ones we love. It is also a bold reimagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as the enslaved Jim emerges to reclaim his voice and defy the conventions that have consigned him to the margins.
The Mississippi River, 1861. When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a new owner in New Orleans and separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson’s Island until he can formulate a plan.
Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father who recently returned to town. Thus begins a dangerous and transcendent journey by raft along the Mississippi River, towards the elusive promise of the free states and beyond. As James and Huck navigate the treacherous waters, each bend in the river holds the promise of both salvation and demise.
With rumours of a brewing war, James must face the burden he carries: the family he is desperate to protect and the constant lie he must live. And together, the unlikely pair embark on the most dangerous, and life-changing, odyssey of them all . . .
'A captivating response to Mark Twain’s classic that is both a bold exploration of a dark chapter in history and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit' – the 2024 Booker Prize judges
'James has the potential to become a classic . . . thrilling, bold and profound' – The Sunday Times
'This is the work of an American master at the peak of his powers' – Financial Times
‘Funny and horrifying, brilliant and riveting . . . Who should read this book? Every single person in the country’ – Ann Patchett, bestselling author of Tom Lake
What listeners say about James
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ciara Dunphy
- 25-04-24
Amazing!
The narration for this was simply superb. A harrowing yet riveting tale of slavery in the lead up to the Civil War told as a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn. Highly recommended.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Ronán
- 25-08-24
novel twist on a classic novel
excellent narration...unusual and for the most part successful twist on on the Mark Twain classic. I liked the hilarious subterfuge about the n' language . there are enough reminders of the horrors of slavery. Some repetition in the story I found mildly irksome eg in grave danger falling asleep and waking up to potential peril. also note every white person is an idiot (and worse)
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- JB
- 09-09-24
Imaginative Retelling
Pacy and insightful sideways swerve on a well known story. Both heartbreaking and hopeful. Recommend.
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- Liz
- 13-05-24
Beautiful literature with important learning
Everett’s writing is lyrical, searing and witty. The perspective of a black man’s lived experience is critical learning for those of us who are unaware of the privilege we take for granted. How this book still manages to be funny and uplifting with such injustice and tragedy is beyond my tiny little brain. Every positive superlative deserved. Congratulations to anyone wise enough to read this book.
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- Anonymous User
- 26-07-24
A fresh perspective
James shines a light on a dark part of our history. it is incredibly well written and well worth listening to. The abuse slaves suffered was horrendous and yet this book and the main character still evoke hope.
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- barbara
- 10-06-24
Thought provoking
Beautiful narration and one of my current favourite authors. Every Everett book is so different
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- jimmmy
- 17-06-24
Great story
Loved the narration. The description of the events was gripping. All in all a very moving story of a man overcoming repression and bigotry through education.
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- Old Git
- 27-04-24
Brilliantly book, superb narration
I heard an excerpt on a review programme on the radio and decided to subscribe to hear it read well. The book is excellent and the narration outstanding. I wonder if I can find another book to match this one. Maybe not but I’ll try.
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- David Robin Shah
- 02-08-24
A Modern Classic
This guy s not just a good book but a modern classic beautifully written and beautifully narrated.
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- Kindle Customer
- 02-05-24
Humbled
Having read Huckleberry Finn as a child, I was intrigued by the premise of the book. Having listened to the book I am humbled by the suffering I didn't fully understand. The book is funny, sad and heartbreaking. James is a hero.
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