Plot Summary

My Jim

Nancy Rawles
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My Jim

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Nancy Rawles

My Jim

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

190

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Missouri • 1840s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

My Jim by Nancy Rawles follows Sadie Watson as she recounts her harrowing experiences of slavery and her enduring love for Jim, a character from Twain's Huckleberry Finn. Set against the backdrop of slavery and Reconstruction, the novel is divided into three parts: "Marianne Libre," where Sadie shares her past with her granddaughter Marianne; "Sadie Watson," detailing key moments and objects from Sadie's life; and "My Nanna," intertwining Sadie's and Marianne's perspectives as they piece together their family's history through a quilt, reflecting themes of love, loss, and resilience. The book addresses the brutal realities of slavery, physical abuse, sexual violence, and emotional trauma.

Melancholic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.1

572 ratings

62%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

My Jim by Nancy Rawles has been praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, effectively portraying the struggles of African American slaves through a unique narrative voice. However, some readers feel the pacing is slow and the fragmented storytelling can be challenging to follow. Overall, it’s acknowledged for its powerful themes and evocative character portrayal.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Jim?

Readers who appreciate deeply emotional narratives and historical fiction will enjoy My Jim by Nancy Rawles. Fans of works like The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Beloved by Toni Morrison will be captivated by the personal and poignant retelling of the life of Jim from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

4.1

572 ratings

62%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

190

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Missouri • 1840s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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