NEW YORK — The novel “James” by Percival Everett, a reinvention of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” has been named as one of the finalists for the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction. This updated take on Mark Twain’s renowned story is uniquely narrated by the enslaved protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Everett’s work has already earned accolades including the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize, and the Carnegie Medal for fiction.
In addition to “James,” the PEN/Faulkner Award will also consider four other compelling novels. These include ’Pemi Aguda’s “Ghostroots,” which explores the complexities of heritage and identity; Susan Muaddi Darraj’s “Behind You Is the Sea,” offering a narrative steeped in history and personal journeys; Garth Greenwell’s “Small Rain,” delving into themes of intimacy and struggle; and Danzy Senna’s “Colored Television,” providing a layered depiction of racial and cultural dynamics.
“These five books moved us with their compassion, their imagination, their quiet artistry,” expressed the judging panel in a recent statement. “They view our world from oblique and unsettling angles while giving us new ways to comprehend the often unimaginable: illness, displacement, enslavement, exile. Yet they also burst with humor and light, with characters who gleam and sing from the page.”
The announcement of the winner is anticipated in early April. The recipient of the first prize will be awarded a cash prize of $15,000, while the remaining finalists will each receive $5,000. Esteemed authors who have previously been honored include Philip Roth, Ann Patchett, and Yiyun Li.
