We had no TV when I was growing up. Somehow, when I was 8 or 9 years old, I saw Tennessee Ernie Ford in "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." I was hooked on Mark Twain. [Of course, that was helped by the lore of Samuel Clemens in the closest city, Elmira, NY, where his study still stands today.] Since then, I've been fascinated by his life and the seeming contradictions, especially around slavery and the secession of southern states. Clemens's actions during the war and after even warranted special treatment in the first volume of Harry Turtledove's alternate history series, "Southern Victory". Recently I was reading that some even suspect that Huck Finn was a free black, though not so stated in the book.
Thanks for your comments on "James", Christine. I've moved it to the top of my reading list, although the library isn't convinced -- they tell me I have to wait 14 weeks!
Can't wait to read James. After seeing the film American Fiction I read the book Erasure by Everett on which it was based and was bowled over by his brilliance as a writer.
We had no TV when I was growing up. Somehow, when I was 8 or 9 years old, I saw Tennessee Ernie Ford in "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." I was hooked on Mark Twain. [Of course, that was helped by the lore of Samuel Clemens in the closest city, Elmira, NY, where his study still stands today.] Since then, I've been fascinated by his life and the seeming contradictions, especially around slavery and the secession of southern states. Clemens's actions during the war and after even warranted special treatment in the first volume of Harry Turtledove's alternate history series, "Southern Victory". Recently I was reading that some even suspect that Huck Finn was a free black, though not so stated in the book.
Thanks for your comments on "James", Christine. I've moved it to the top of my reading list, although the library isn't convinced -- they tell me I have to wait 14 weeks!
Interesting, enjoyable comments.
Interesting read. Now I have to put James on my to be read list.
Can't wait to read James. After seeing the film American Fiction I read the book Erasure by Everett on which it was based and was bowled over by his brilliance as a writer.
Always enjoy your thoughtful reviews, Christine!
Thank you for your insights. Potent premise for a book.