March Book Club: Exploring Linked Literature

March Book Club: Exploring Linked Literature with James by Percival Everett and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This month, we’re diving into a fascinating pairing: James by Percival Everett, a modern retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. March is often a time of transition, so what better way to embrace it than by exploring the connections between a beloved classic and its contemporary reimagining?

Why Linked Literature?
Stories inspire other stories, and when authors reinterpret or engage with the classics, they open up new perspectives and ask fresh questions. Retellings like Wide Sargasso Sea or Circe challenge us to see familiar characters and narratives in a new light. It’s a way to reflect on timeless themes while considering how they resonate in modern times.

About This Month’s Books
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of America’s most iconic novels. Written by Mark Twain in 1884, it follows young Huck Finn and the runaway enslaved man, Jim, as they journey down the Mississippi River. At its heart, the book is a biting satire of societal norms and a complex exploration of freedom, friendship, and moral growth.
James by Percival Everett revisits the classic tale, but with a twist. It tells the story of James, a Black man who is far more than just the caricature of Jim found in Twain’s novel. Everett’s work is a sharp, inventive reexamination of race, power, and the silences in Huck Finn’s world. It challenges us to reconsider the narrative we thought we knew and confronts the deeper questions the original left unanswered.

How It Works
For this month’s discussion, you’re welcome to read either book—or both! If you’ve never read Huckleberry Finn, this is a great chance to experience the original. If you’re curious about how a modern lens reshapes the classic, dive into James. Either way, there will be plenty to discuss!

Join Us!
We’ll meet on our usual Tuesday evening for dinner, conversation, and an engaging discussion about how these two works intersect and diverge. Whether you’re a regular or joining us for the first time, this promises to be a lively and thought-provoking meeting.

Happy reading, and see you there!