Percival Everett’s novel “James” won the National Book Award for fiction, retelling “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of Huck’s enslaved companion, Jim. The book explores Jim’s thoughts on racism and his experiences when white people aren’t around. Everett spoke about the power of books bringing people together in challenging times during his acceptance speech. The idea for “James” came to Everett while playing tennis, wondering if Huck Finn had been written from Jim’s point of view. Critics have praised the novel as a “slyly funny masterpiece.” Everett, known for his focus on race in America, has received numerous accolades for his literary work, including short-listing for the Booker Prize and being a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Jason De León’s “Soldiers and Kings” won the National Book Award in the nonfiction category. Lifetime achievement awards were given to Barbara Kingsolver and W. Paul Coates, founder of Black Classic Press. However, critics have condemned the decision to honor Coates due to his press reprinting an essay deemed antisemitic. The National Book Foundation defended their decision, stating Coates was honored for his body of work rather than any individual publication, and emphasized their condemnation of anti-Semitism and bigotry while valuing free expression.
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‘James’ by Percival Everett receives National Book Award in Fiction category
