The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Author:Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens "Twain wrote that Huck was based on Tom Blankenship, a poor white boy he knew in Hannibal, MO. But Shelley Fishkin found an 1874 article where Twain spoke of another boy, ten-year old black servant Jerry. Jerry was "the most artless, sociable and exhaustless talker I ever came across," Twain said. He added, "He did not tell me a single remarkabl... more »e thing, or one that was worth remembering. And yet he was himself so interested in his small marvels, and they flowed so naturally and comfortably from his lips that . . . I listened as one who receives a revelation." "It doesn't really matter whether or not Huck was black. Jim, Huck Finn's friend, was certainly black, and he is one of the most memorable characters in literature. Jim was sometimes referred to as "nigger Jim." Jim has a minstrel quality, but it's hard not to see the irony in his behavior, especially not when he lectures Huck on behaving like white trash. Mark Twain's writing and characters have influenced countless American writers. And no matter how many book-banning campaigns are launched due to the presence of the word "nigger" in Twain's books, particularly Huckleberry Finn, authors as diverse as Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner have cited Twain as influences." -- from Amy Sterling Casil's Introduction« less
I had read it when I was younger and wanted to read as a adult. Just wonderful Mr Twain sure knew how to write. Just picks you up and sets you down in a different time. I could feel the heat, feel the river and so enjoyed it.
While this book is considered a classic against not only slavery, but the stupidity of humanity, I'm not certain it isn't overrated. That said, Mark Twain's insightful and well-placed barbs do provide amusement and a stinging critique of society post-Civil War. I also like it just because people have tried to ban it.
I loved that we see this tale through the eyes of a young boy, complete with his speach style and outlook on the world. A good book that I would recomend to anyone interested in US history of the period, coming of age stories, or just adventure mixed with wit and humor.
Becky B. reviewed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on
Great Characters and Great Adventure Keeps you wondering what Huck is going to do next!!! Aunt Polly tries to keep Tom in line and help Huck some too. Great Book!!!
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a sequel of sorts. First came The Adventures of Tom Sawyer which Huckleberry Finn was a character in just as Tom Sawyer was in this one. In this adventure Huckleberry runs away from his alcoholic father and along the way runs into a slave Jim, who is trying to gain his freedom. As they stop in towns along the river they always seem to run into trouble.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was more enjoyable to read on my own then it was to read for school. Huck definitely has a original imagination to get them through all the hijinks they go through.
I felt that by the Tom Sawyer showed up the book could and probably should have ended. Many of the people in the town were pretty gullible to believe Huck, Tom and other characters like the Duke or King.
An Interesting read. Not sure I understand why it is a classic except that is by Mark Twain. I could see the authors humor throughout the book, which he was known for.
Gail M. reviewed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on
If contemporary readers can put themselves back into a different time period, this is a fascinating visit to a very different era. Twain's struggles with his contemporary social attitudes are evident throughout the book.
This is an excellent book by Mark Twain. The story delves further into the character introduced in Tom Sawyer. In Twain's impeccable way, the reader will be transported back in time to experience life on the might Mississippi. Perfect reading for children and adults.
Terror on the Seas!
A deadly sea monster, as long as aafootball field, is ramming and sinking ship. Is it a monster squid- or an enormous-horned sea unicorn? No one knows for sure.
I guess this particular story has engendered more pros and cons than other classics have. But laying all that aside, it is a great adventure with some really important thoughts. A brief biography of Samuel Clemens closes this book.