Booker Shortlist 2024: James by Percival Everett

As the announcement for the Booker prize draws closer, our panel is taking another look at the shortlist and sharing our thoughts on all 6 books. First up is James by Percival Everett. What does our panel think of the odds of this book being this year’s winner? Keep reading to find out

The verdict was unanimous on this book: Our whole panel loved it and all of us put it on our predictions list. You can read our short reviews here: James. The Booker judges had this to say about the book…

‘A masterful, revisionist work that immerses the reader in the brutality of slavery, juxtaposed with a movingly persistent humanity. Through lyrical, richly textured prose, Everett crafts a captivating response to Mark Twain’s classic, Huckleberry Finn, that is both a bold exploration of a dark chapter in history and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With its virtuosic command of language and moral urgency, James stands as a towering achievement that confronts the past while holding out hope for a progressive future, cementing Everett’s deserved reputation as a literary sensation.’

You can read more about the novel and an author interview on the booker prize website: here.

Jen’s Thoughts: One of my favorite books on the booker list this year and Everett is a genius author. This is certainly a very American book and those don’t typically take home the prize but I wouldn’t be sad if it wins.
Why it Could Win: The book is brilliant, Everett is no stranger to book awards, and this could be his year to take home the Booker.
Why it Might Not Win: It is a very American book and may be a better for for other prizes. I’m also not sure how well re-tellings/re-workings do in the prize world.

Nicole’s Thoughts: Very deserving of its place on the list.
Why it Could Win: It’s worthy, Everett is worthy.
Why it Might Not Win: “Too American” (I don’t think that)

Tracy’s Thoughts: I truly believe that this will be the book of the year in the US. Probably the book of the decade. And for good reason: this is amazing. There is so much in this book, not only about the 19th century US, but about now, too.
Why it Could Win: There is a wave surrounding James- the popularity continues to grow, for good reason. It is an important book, and has the potential to remain important, much like its conversation starter, Huck Finn.
Why it Might Not Win: It’s an important book in the US. But in the rest of the English speaking world, its significance may not be as evident.

Lisa’s Thoughts: This was so good. Personally, I love books that take a character from a classic novel and completely re-tell the story from a radically different point of view. And James Everett is exactly the right writer to take on Mark Twain.
Why it Could Win: Brilliant take on this American classic.
Why it Might Not Win: As Tracy points out, this book may have more meaning to Americans than to people from other countries.

Anita: A completely engaging and riveting read. I’d be totally happy to see this one win.
Why it Could Win: It’s a creative, relevant, and propulsive retelling that arguably is better than the original.
Why it Might Not Win: It’s almost too mainstream for a prize that’s as literary as the Booker. It’s also very American. Everett is the only male writer on the shortlist, and I wonder if there will be a reluctance to crown him the winner because that’s definitely going to be noticeable and mentioned.

Try the book for yourself! You can purchase a copy here: James

We want to hear from you? Have you read this one? Tell us what you thought of the book (link to your reviews or add a brief blurb in the comments). Do you think is will be the winner?