It's no Tom Sawyer, but still fine work

books:


	• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Bantam Classics) Mark Twain Bantam Classics, 1981 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 508 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A Mark Twain classic

"Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot."

With characteristic humor and self-satire, Mark Twain inserted this warning into the preface of his classic American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Perhaps he was thumbing his nose at his critics, who often criticized his writing as coarse and unsophisticated. Perhaps he was acknowledging that the book, which contains elements of an adventure story, a hero's journey and a tall tale, defies easy categorization. Using first-person narrative, Twain skillfully employs his command of language and masterful storytelling to explore the idea that true individualism means following one's own conscience, even if that means coming into conflict with society's rules and prejudices.

I found this story to be an enormously good time as Twain wonderfully describes Huck and his magnificent adventure. Twain brilliantly writes of the innermost thoughts of Huck as he struggles with whether or not to accept and help Jim, a runaway slave. This is a great book that offers more than just a boy traveling down a winding river and what he encounters along the way. Twain satirical writing delivers immense insight into the society of the time. His explores the problems that existed in nineteenth century America (pre-Civil War era) with regard to slavery. Twain's comedic styles allows for a good read while subtly emphasizing the importance of personal understanding and acceptance. Twain threatened to banish anyone seeking a moral in this work, but it seems likely that his compelling themes of individualism and shared humanity contribute to the enduring popularity of this American classic.

for more information click here

The Greatest American Novel

"Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is the greatest American novel. Because it is our greatest novel it has been reviewed, analyzed, admired and vilified probably more than any book in American literary history.

Everyone knows the story. Huckleberry Finn is a character introduced in "Tom Sawyer". He's the neglected son of the town drunk. After discovering a small fortune with Tom at the end of Tom Sawyer, Huck is given a home with spinsters. The idea is to `civilize' Huck. That means bathing regularly, going to school, church in order to elevate him above the level of poor white trash.

(Forgive me for using the term. But author is unsparing in his use of language considered to today to be politically incorrect. We'll discuss this more later.)

Huck's father's paternal instincts are stimulated by the smell of money. He wants custody of his son. Unfortunately the law is on his side. Huck decides to run away. Inadvertently he takes one of the household slaves with him a runaway named Jim. They ride down the Mississippi River on a raft and sail into the annals of literature.

The single largest misconception about "Huckleberry Finn" is this is a children's novel. It is often given to children as a gift or taught in junior high English class. Twain was master of American dialects. His characters speak as they should for their time and place. Consequently, the n-word is used extensively. If you're the only black kid in the class, constant use of this word could make things uncomfortable.

This one of the reasons this book this book keeps winding up on the banned lists. But to put this book on the banned list in the name of political correctness is short-sighted and ignorant.

Another reason this is not a kids book is it tackles issues and situations far beyond the junior high level. The average 13 year old simply does not have the life experience to fully appreciate the book.

Huck and Jim represent the dregs of pre-Civil War southern society. All their lives they've been reminded of this. They must always listen to the counsel of their `betters', be it con men, childless old ladies or noble families hunting each other to extinction. Most of their `adventures' are because they yield their better judgment to idiots.

But there is a notable exception. Jim ran away rather than be sold away from his children forever. He's not as interested in freedom as much as he is in taking care of his family. Huck is conflicted because he's stealing an old woman's property. However he begins to see this `property' as a human being.

The point where Huck decides he will go to hell before he returns Jim to an uncertain future is one of the greatest moments in the history of American letters.

Huck and Jim may not be the smartest people in the world. But they both show presence of mind, loyalty, devotion and love in abundance.

In short, they represent the best of humanity.

for more information click here

Learn to hate Twain while driving

Let's face it, the novel is flawed. At best Twain is commenting on race poorly; at best he's blind to his own racism. Want to judge for yourself, you can read it again or give it a listen here--it's the complete text.

It's no Tom Sawyer, but still fine work

This book, which is more of a companion to "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" than a sequel, has Twain displaying his talents on all fronts. His classic wit shines through as does his knack for expressing deep observations about life through the life and events of a child. This book lacks some of the mystique that Tom Sawyer has and the plot moves more slowly. This is still great reading, however, as Twain's effort here is better than many authors' strongest moments. If you liked Tom Sawyer, you will enjoy this book. If you're curious to try Twain, I would recommend Tom Sawyer before giving this one a try.

for more information click here

A humorous reflection of our flaws

A vivid story of wit, growth, and adventure is provided in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The experience of reading this novel has proved equally exciting to the plot, inducing fear, anger, and happiness as I yearned to find out the next encounter of Huck and Jim. Through a mix of satire, irony, and subtle humor, Mark Twain voices his condemnations of the faults of society: its prejudice, discrimination, and racism. This is especially expressed in his exaltation of Jim the fugitive, revealing that one's qualities are shown through their actions, not a pre-existing judgment of physical properties. The strength of friendship and individuality is also greatly emphasized in this novel. I have learned from Huck's experience that respect and freedom is not gained by following the rules, but rather gained by reaching beyond what is expected. As "uncivil" and "savage" as Huck is considered, his purity and morality outshines the rest, illustrating him as the true protagonist. The flaws of society in Huck's time are just the same as our times: a drive of ambition and greed, selfishness, and cowardice in humanity. The average man follows his peers to gain acceptance, for without acceptance, one fears their capability to function. This dependence has made us fearful and suspicious of one another, trusting no one but ourselves. A true friend discovered is a priceless jewel - a needle found in the roaring sea. They will wait for us, accept us, and most of all, converse and trust us regardless of our flaws or looks. Huck is just as we are, but successful in finding true direction and acceptance.

for more information click here

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, page 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

hot

not?

What's your opinion?

Write a review and share your thoughts!

recommendations

Meet Mark Twain (American Author and Humorist)
Classics: The Most Recommended
Essential American Literature
My Top Ten Favorite Books
2007 Reading List

search for books
adventures, bantam, classics, finn, huckleberry

Impressum / about us