4.5/5

I haven’t read Huckleberry Finn, and I highly doubt I ever will, but when I came across this graphic novel I was intrigued. I’m so glad I read this book!

This was quite the journey and the ending had me feeling my very emotional. I read every last bit including the historical notes and the author and illustrator’s notes because I wanted to soak up as much as I could.

The artwork was simple but effective, and I loved how the story went back and forth in time. We had moments during the 1800s with Jim fighting for his freedom and to find his family; the 1930s with Jim and Huck telling their story to Jim’s grandchildren; the 1980s with Jim’s granddaughter sharing his story with *her* granddaughter; and the 2020s with Jim’s great-granddaughter, a successful history professor and author, continuing his work and sharing her family’s history.

This is how you write a fictionalized non-fiction! I learned so much in such a quick read and I felt inspired by the message at the end: nobody can tell your story better than you can, and your story deserves to be told.

Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve never read the source material, so I couldn’t tell you how much of this was graphic novel was reimagined parts of Huckleberry Finn, but I also don’t really care because I’ve always thought it was odd that Mark Twain was as famous as he was for this book. This book explains it best (in my opinion): he tried to write a book that made him feel better about his place in history, having been a member of a family that owned slaves. David F. Walker points out so many ways that Twain failed his character Jim, including the fact that Jim is only shown with Huck and never with his family (who is briefly mentioned but never in the actual story). I really hope that this book is taught to students because I think it would spark countless important conversations about race and history.

Highly, highly recommend!!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined” by David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson is a bold and innovative retelling of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” This graphic novel shifts the focus to Jim, an enslaved Black man, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless story. With its dynamic art and incisive commentary, this reimagining is both a tribute to and a critique of the original work.

The narrative follows Jim, who escapes from slavery in search of his kidnapped wife and children. Alongside him is Huckleberry Finn, a cheeky and adventurous boy who becomes Jim’s unlikely ally. Their journey down the Mississippi River is fraught with danger and discovery.

Walker and Anderson breathe new life into Jim, transforming him from a secondary character into a fully realized protagonist. Jim’s strength, intelligence, and resilience are at the forefront, making him a compelling and relatable hero. Huck, while still mischievous and endearing, serves as a foil to Jim, highlighting the contrasts and connections between their experiences. The supporting cast, including both familiar and new characters, adds depth and richness to the story.

Walker’s writing is sharp and insightful, blending humor and satire with poignant social commentary. The dialogue is authentic and engaging, capturing the vernacular of the time while addressing contemporary issues. The narrative is well-paced, balancing action and introspection, and the integration of historical context is seamless, enhancing the story without overwhelming it.

Anderson’s artwork is bold and dynamic, perfectly complementing Walker’s narrative. The illustrations are vivid and expressive, bringing the characters and settings to life with striking detail. The use of color and composition enhances the emotional impact of the story, making each panel a visual treat. Anderson’s ability to convey both the harrowing and tender moments of the journey is a testament to his skill as an artist.

“Big Jim and the White Boy” explores themes of freedom, justice, and the enduring legacy of slavery. The novel delves into the power dynamics of race and the struggle for self-determination, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on American history. The reimagining also addresses the importance of storytelling and the ways in which narratives can shape our understanding of the past and present.

“Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined” is a powerful and innovative work that redefines a beloved story for a new generation. David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson have created a graphic novel that is both entertaining and enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on themes that remain relevant today.

This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, graphic novels, and anyone interested in the ongoing dialogue about race and identity in America.

I loved the story and the characters. I’ve read other stories by this author so I knew I’d love this one. A short and enjoyable read.

I adored this reimagining. I think it made excellent use of the graphic novel format, and I really enjoyed the artwork. I also loved its non-linear oral story-telling focus and how it was implemented to weave the timelines together to share the story of Jim and his family.

The included context and analysis around Mark Twain's life/influences on the original work really highlighted the racism and prejudice incorporated in that text despite what Twain thought he intended. Big Jim and the White Boy creates an amazing commentary on the storytelling aspect of history. One of my favorite quotes that I think is going to stick with me far beyond this specific work is "[History] doesn't write itself. And, contrary to the old adage, history is not always written by the victors... History is written by whoever has the paper, the pen, and the determination to craft a truth that makes them feel better."

While I 1000% believe this graphic novel stands on its own, if a school is going to include the Advenutres of Huckleberry Finn itself in its curriculum they should really utilize Big Jim and the White Boy in conjunction. Either way, I think this reimagining is a book that shouldn't only be on a school's reading list, but should be actively shared and discussed in classrooms as it is so educationally rich in a variety of ways.

I can't compliment this work enough, seriously just go read it.

Big Jim and the White Boy is a fantastic graphic novel centered on Jim's point of view from Huckleberry Finn. This was so well done! I really appreciated that Jim was telling the story himself and discussed the failings of Mark Twain to properly capture his perspective, story, and vernacular.

While certain scenes from the book were retold focusing on Jim, the story jumped around between time, scene, and generations with a focus on Black Americans at that time. It did not shy away from violence & difficult conversations, and should be read in classrooms across America.

Thanks to NetGalley, David F. Walker, and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the chance to read and review!