"How strange a world, how strange an existence, that one's equal must argue for one's equality, that one's equal must hold a station that allows airing of that argument, that one cannot make that argument for oneself, that premise of said argument must be vetted by those equals who do not agree."

This reimagining of Twain's Huckleberry Finn from Jim's point of view manages to be both funny and utterly chilling. Everett's instinct for nailing the line between humor and horror is impeccable. Jim has learned to read and write by way of secret trips into Judge Thatcher's library, and in his dreams he debates Voltaire and Locke about slavery and race. But when he's around white folks, even Huck, he is careful to hide his learning under the disguise of slave dialect and behavior.

"Jim," Huck said.
"What?"
"Why you talking so funny?"
"Whatchu be meaning'?" I was panicking inside.
"You were talking'--I don't know--you didn't sound like no slave."
"How do a slave sound?"
He stared at me.

Jim runs away to avoid being sold and begins a hair-raising search for his wife and daughter who were sold while he was away. He meets lots of nasty and some nice people along the way. The climax of the book is shocking and unexpected, but immensely gratifying. James is a compassionate and brutal tale, and Everett has again written an undeniably important book about what it means and has always meant to be Black in America.

"You is a mystery to me, Jim, a sho nuff mystery."
"I reckon I is, Huck."
"First you want to go to Illinois where you kin be free and then you start collectin' books causin' they make you feel good. I swear I don't understand."