Huckleberry Finn escapes the civilized society of the strict Widow Douglas, who’s aim it is to care
and educate the young boy, only to find himself at the hands of his drunken and abusive
father.
After giving his Pap the slip in a mischievous and clever hoax, Huck sets out on his
adventures down the Mississippi River on a raft, accompanied by his friend Jim, an escaped slave
from the town. In their quest for freedom, these two characters form a strong bond whilst they
encounter thieves, murderers, family feuds, con-artists, and tricksters along their trip
downriver. Eventually, Huck and Jim’s friendship is put to the ultimate test when Jim is
re-captured.
The Mississippi River, 1861. When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a new
owner in New Orleans and separated from his wife and daughter forever, he flees to nearby Jackson’s
Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his
violent father who recently returned to town.
So begins a dangerous and transcendent journey along the Mississippi River, towards the elusive
promise of the free states and beyond. As James and Huck navigate the treacherous waters, each bend
in the river holds the promise of both salvation and demise. And together, the unlikely pair embark
on the most life-changing odyssey of them all ...
This week's books are Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and James by Percival Everett and we'll be meeting at Ye Olde Cocke on Wilmslow Road in Didsbury — contact us for details.
Please note this is the first meeting of the year.