OLLI AT UVM PRESENTS

Explore Percival Everett’s James, a bold reimagining of Mark Twain’s 1884 classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Winner of both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, James invites readers into a fresh and profound dialogue with Twain’s original text. Everett emphasizes, “I do not view the work as a corrective, but rather I see myself in conversation with Twain.” Participants will examine how James deepens and reshapes the character of Jim, the escaped slave who journeys with Huck. Everett gives voice to Jim in new and powerful ways, illuminating themes of enslavement, religion, family, and virtue with renewed depth and nuance. Together, we will investigate what reimagined works can reveal, what they risk, and how they challenge us to see familiar stories in transformative ways. Held in Shelburne.

Required Reading/Materials: James by Percival Everett

Suggested Reading: It's not necessary to read Huckleberry Finn to participate in this discussion. Prior to the class, participants will be emailed a summary of Huckleberry Finn for anyone interested.