Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, tells the story of a teenaged misfit who finds himself floating on a raft down the Mississippi River with an escaping slave, Jim. In the course of their perilous journey, Huck and Jim meet adventure, danger, and a cast of characters who are sometimes menacing and often hilarious. Though some of the situations in Huckleberry Finn are funny in themselves (the cockeyed Shakespeare production in Chapter 21 leaps instantly to mind), this book's humor is found mostly in Huck's unique worldview and his way of expressing himself. Describing his brief sojourn with the Widow Douglas after she adopts him, Huck says, "After supper she got out her book and learned me about Moses and the Bulrushers, and I was in a sweat to find out all about him; but by and by she let it out that Moses had been dead a considerable long time; so then I didn't care no more about him, because I don't take no stock in dead people". Underlying Twain's good humor is a dark subcurrent of Antebellum cruelty and injustice that makes The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a frequently funny book with a serious message.
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"I thought that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was a pretty good book and there are many reasons for my opinion. I read Tom Sawyer back in seventh grade and i really enjoyed it because of all the mystery and suspense it created. Even though the book was easier to read it was almost the same concept as Huck Finn. I liked that it had a lot of suspense and you were always wondering what would happen next. Will Huck find a way to escape from the King and the Duke, and how many times is Huck going to lose Jim because of all the antics going on. There were points in the book that really made me want to put it down and go to sleep but those moments came very rarely. For instance when there was something not very important going on such as when Huck is explaining what is going on. I like the moments where he is running or trying to survive because it gets me interested. I would actually strongly recommend this book because anyone who is interested about the past like i am would love this book because it portrays the late 1800's on how it really was.The main conflict in this novel would have to be man versus self because Huck is always asking himself what he should do and what is best for him. Such as when he is in control of Ms. Watson who wants him to be a good boy and listen to the rules, Huck doesn't like rules and decides to leave to live with Pap where he faced with another tough decision. Will he stay or leave Pap because staying will put him in danger because of Pap's drinking problem. Huck comes up with a smart plan and leaves when he meets Jim and later on has to make yet another tough decision. Jim has traveled with him the whole time and they've created a special bond; will he let Jim become a slave again or keep Jim with him? Huck chooses the obvious plan in my mind and decides that Jim and him have become great friends and no one will ruin that. All of these decisions require Huck to fight with himself and make really tough decisions.A very unfamiliar writing style is used by Mark Twain in this novel and it is a big reason why this book got such great reviews back when it first came out. People appreciated how it used old language and it used actual grammar that the African-Americans used to use. "No, but i ben rich wunst, and gwyne to be rich ag'in. Wunst i had foteen dollars, but i tuck to specalat'n', en got busted out"(Jim 46). As you can see the style of writing is very complex but then it's not. It might be hard for people to read when they start which makes it complex but then it starts to wear on you. What makes it not complex is that it is not even correct grammar. Overall i believe that the overall moral/theme of the story is to do what is right and make the right choices when it comes to people that mean something to you. Such as how Huck and Jim did everything to make sure that they stayed together because they both depended on each other. No matter what the theme it was still a very good book."
— Angelopatti (4 out of 5 stars)
“All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn.”
— Ernest Hemingway“Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the only one of Mark Twain’s various books which can be called a masterpiece. I do not suggest that it is his only book of permanent interest; but it is the only one in which his genius is completely realized, and the only one which creates its own category.”
— T. S. Eliot“Narrator Robin Field magnificently captures the tone and rhythm of Mark Twain’s classic novel. Most challenging for any narrator is the reproduction of the dialects, dramatic emphasis, and accents that are essential to the story, which on the surface is merely a journey down the Mississippi but, in truth, explores the coming-of-age of an ‘uncivilized’ boy. Added reverb to some passages is an interesting production choice and adds to understanding the thought process of the protagonist. Field’s youthful tone and connection to the emotional core of the story anchor the action of the novel, creating a connection between the listener and Twain that adds an extra dimension to the pleasure of what is arguably the great American novel. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile" Everyone should read this book every few years. You get something new from it every time. Absolutely timeless. "
— Brigitte, 2/17/2014" I'm glad I read this book (can't remember if I'd read it before) - "
— Beckie, 2/14/2014" i was having fun until tom sawyer came in and ruined it all. "
— Jane, 2/8/2014" This story does a really good job at making you hate the characters. But that is all that it is good for. "
— Andrew, 2/4/2014" I thought this book was really good! I enjoyed all of the adventures Huck had with Jim and the few at the end with Tom. This book displayed a lot of life lessons, such as Huck's innocence and prejudice (against Jim). The one thing I thought was hard to deal with was the way the character's spoke. Sometimes I had no idea what they were saying because of their somewhat unintelligent speaking, or "accent". Overall, I think this is a great AP read. "
— Jordan, 2/4/2014" The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a very good book, and is also considered to be very important and representative of 19th century American society. Huck, the main character, is adventurous but at the same time naive about how his society works. It is good to have Huck's perspective, as the reader can learn about his world as he learns about it, and can also connect with Huck very well, and understand his thought processes. The book sends a message about how uncivilized people in Southern society were, ranging from families who locked themselves in a nonstop feud to foolish citizens who could not recognize their own family members. Often times Huck finds himself in difficult situations that expose his true character. Jim, as Huck's runaway slave partner, adds tension to the story (although it is difficult to understand what he says in his dialogue). One less good thing about this novel was the spots where major events are told very briefly, such as the King and Duke being tied up, as well as Jim suddenly being discovered to be free. But overall, Huck Finn is a very good book, and is a very important read for people who want to understand American society in the 1800s. "
— Danny, 1/24/2014" Looking at this book now - it doesn't look like anything special. Yeah, yeah I know that all modern-day american literature comes out of this book, but I'm not an American...But, when I think about myself when I was twelve or thirteen and when I first read this book - IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. That freedom you can feel in the lines, daydreaming about your own raft and your own journey of self-discovery and above all - the Mighty Mississippi - oh, man...it was a deep impact on me. "
— Matej, 1/19/2014" "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is an awesome book and an interesting read! It's eye-opening to read a book filled of things I take for granted and common sense in the eyes of someone almost the opposite of me. Very good book. The only trouble I had was understanding some of the dialogue, in thought or words, because of the different way they talk. "
— Isabella, 1/15/2014" Not quite the great American Novel "
— Covina, 1/11/2014" It was a little boring sometimes and kind of confusing when it switched between present tense and past tense. But in the end I guess it was okay and a little funny. "
— Charlotte, 1/7/2014" I have always wanted to read this book and can't believe I didn't read it until now. It took me a little while to get through but I found it hysterical! Loved the ending too! I would actually give it 4 1/2 stars if there were an option. "
— Janice, 1/7/2014" A slice of Americana that is equal parts fun and whimsical. "
— Jeff, 12/31/2013" i wanna be huckleberry finn when i grow up "
— Bucket, 12/30/2013" This was a good book, the ending was a bit frustrating. If you want to read this, I highly reccomend you read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain before you read this one. Trust me, you'll have a much easier time understanding this one if you do. "
— Katelyn, 12/22/2013" This book is ok I guess "
— Kylei, 12/14/2013" Love Huckleberry Finn!! Reminds me of being in elementary. "
— Natalie, 12/10/2013" I will never think of melting butter or speaking French the same. "
— Angie, 12/5/2013" This is one of my favorite classics. I've read it a number of times, but the first time I read it was the best because I read it and then rolled into Charles Dickens Oliver Twist. These two books were written about the same time but what a contrast in life's. Both books a great reads. "
— Jim, 11/13/2013" Very funny, written with a convincingly immature voice, but layered with delicious sarcasm and poignant social observations. Uses the phrase "by and by" way too much though. "
— Phil, 11/9/2013" Had to read this for a class project thing... It was ok, the ending was a little to sudden though "
— Maddy, 11/3/2013" Always an amazing read! Every year it gets tougher and tougher to get kids to actually read the pages - when they do read, they think it is very powerful. "
— Paula, 10/31/2013" I do love this book although now when I reread it I read the more complete edition from the University of California. Just to mention here, though is the introduction by Toni Morrison and the afterword by Victor Doyno. "
— Scott, 10/30/2013" Tom Sawyer let's huck and this book down. End of. "
— Nicola, 10/24/2013" I love this book almost as much as Tom Sawyer it is one of those read over and over again books. "
— Sandy, 10/23/2013" The end made me want to drop Tom Sawyer in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Twain's writing makes it worth the read, though. "
— Hailey, 10/17/2013" Humorous and exciting,well worth reading "
— Rick, 10/13/2013" Possibly the greatest wok of American literature. A wonderful book, as well. "
— Alfred, 9/15/2013" Overall it was a good book. It had Adventure sprawled all over the pages. Huck is a promising character that I doubt any one can forget. He has the mind of a 12 year old, yet he manages to mature beyond that of Tom Sawyer. "
— Yessenia, 9/3/2013" Great book but, surprisingly, really started to drag once Tom Sawyer showed up. "
— Davechri, 8/31/2013" This book is a wonder. If God were to judge America based on one character from literature, let's hope it's Huck Finn. "
— Owen, 8/30/2013" The end made me want to drop Tom Sawyer in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Twain's writing makes it worth the read, though. "
— Hailey, 8/29/2013" One of the worst books ever written "
— Adam, 8/27/2013" Each time I read this I get more out of it because I see more in it. "
— Carl, 7/2/2013" I listened to this as an audio podcast for free. Go to iTunes and search it out. Amazing to listen to. "
— Nathan, 6/11/2013" Upon re-reading, not a big fan of this. Just a bit repetitive and then abruptly ends. "
— Katiedavis, 6/9/2013" An American classic that is worth a read, regardless of the readers background. "
— Philip, 4/10/2013" it was an amazing book, Huck is the boy that every boy wants to be. "
— Jordan, 4/1/2013" full of adventures and funny "
— Kirby, 3/16/2013" Even though this was an assignment for English class, I really enjoyed this book! "
— Annmarie, 3/13/2013" I've just finished reading this AGAIN - 3rd time. My paperback of it is still in South Africa and I got the bugger on kindle - probably my favourite book EVER!!! "
— Nick, 2/26/2013" Great book. Annotated edition is excellent. "
— Emily, 2/16/2013" This was a very slow read for me...mostly because of the dialect I think, but I am glad I read it. It is a wonderful look at a time in history that will never be experienced again. "
— Mindy, 2/15/2013" My all time favorite classic American Novel. "
— Sean, 2/10/2013" I actually lemmed this book. I enjoyed but I just got bored and had a lack of focus. "
— Dara, 1/26/2013" Huckleberry is an extraordinary character! His adventure begins at a walking pace but finishes with a crash. This mischievous voice really had me captivated from beginning to end. "
— LifeisWrite2196, 1/16/2013" good adventure for the times "
— Jim, 11/10/2012" Really what is there to say. American Classic "
— Damian, 11/2/2012" Great book. Hope they never take it out of required HS reading. "
— Matthew, 10/8/2012" Had to read it because of school. Found it fun and a good read. "
— Robin, 10/3/2012" Felt like I was supposed to like it. Couldn't really get into it. "
— Schroedette, 9/24/2012" I rated it a three star review because it wasn't the greatest but it wasn't the worst book ever, its hard to get a hold of at first cause the main character talks odd cause he is uneducated, but I caught up to it.... It's a good read and an easy read "
— Braedyn, 9/14/2012" I understand that the use of the n-word was a part of the culture in which Clemens lived, but it was still offensive to me to the extent that every time I came across it it was jarring. "
— Rose, 9/6/2012" I love the portrayal of a time and place - even in the language used. "
— Laura, 6/13/2012" A darker, richer story than the Adventures of Tom Sawyer until the end when Tom Sawyer, rather unbelievably, reappears. "
— Skittle, 5/27/2012" This is one of those books I keep coming back to - over and over. Every reading (or retelling) gives me something new about Twain, or Huck, or Jim, or, maybe, just life in general. It is a wonderful book. "
— Rich, 5/16/2012" overall good but becomes pure crap when tom sawyer arrives in the story and starts his ridiculous plans. i cannot stress how bad this part of the novel was. i felt actual rage while reading those chapters. "
— Calvin, 4/16/2012" The audio version of Huckleberry Finn was a very good performance by Elijah Wood, but I had trouble getting into the story and got frustrated with the characters. "
— Lisa, 4/13/2012" I read it every year and love it every time. "
— Edie, 4/12/2012" One of my favorite books of all time! "
— Anna, 3/20/2012" I didn't enjoy it very much, but there's no doubt that it is a masterpiece. Twain weaves an abundance of hidden messages throughout its entirety and although it can be very dreary and boring at times, it is worth the read certainly to get a taste of old America. "
— Jordan, 3/18/2012" This book was so hard to read. I don't know why I didn't like it, being that it is a good story. The format in which it was written was hard to decipher. I was more confused by the ending than the dialect! I won't be reading it twice or recommending it. Sorry Mr. Twain! "
— Lydia, 3/11/2012" I abandoned it when I was a child, but now it is one of my favourite books. "
— Helen, 12/19/2011" I thought it was good but not great. "
— Steven, 5/22/2011" A thousand times better than Tom Sawyer (the character, that is). Adventures of Huckleberry Finn provides a mature look at race relations through the eyes of a young boy. This work is nothing short of great. "
— Emma, 5/22/2011" Maybe my expectations were too high. "
— Judi, 5/21/2011" this was the best book I ever read. I want to read it again and again and again. "
— Colin, 5/19/2011" I Love Huck Finn because I love Mark Twain. Persons attempting to find pedo/homo erotic undertones in that will be shot. "
— Markus, 5/19/2011" Dissected this one for English class. Sometimes, discussion takes all the charm out of a book. So do angry yet subtle attacks at Romanticism. "
— Eva, 5/17/2011" Not quite as entertaining as Tom Sawyer "
— Sam, 5/16/2011" Read this one back in the 6th grade for an English assignment & still remember most of it to this day :) "
— Michelle, 5/15/2011" One of the greatest American novels. "
— Raffles, 5/14/2011" I think this was the first real novel I ever read, and I decided I wanted to be a writer. I also decided I wanted to sail a raft down the Mississippi River! "
— Mike, 5/14/2011Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel L. Clemens (1835–1910), was born in Florida, Missouri, and grew up in Hannibal on the west bank of the Mississippi River. He attended school briefly and then at age thirteen became a full-time apprentice to a local printer. When his older brother Orion established the Hannibal Journal, Samuel became a compositor for that paper and then, for a time, an itinerant printer. With a commission to write comic travel letters, he traveled down the Mississippi. Smitten with the riverboat life, he signed on as an apprentice to a steamboat pilot. After 1859, he became a licensed pilot, but two years later the Civil War put an end to the steam-boat traffic.
In 1861, he and his brother traveled to the Nevada Territory where Samuel became a writer for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, and there, on February 3, 1863, he signed a humorous account with the pseudonym Mark Twain. The name was a river man’s term for water “two fathoms deep” and thus just barely safe for navigation.
In 1870 Twain married and moved with his wife to Hartford, Connecticut. He became a highly successful lecturer in the United States and England, and he continued to write.
Robin Field is the AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator of numerous audiobooks, as well as an award-winning actor, singer, writer, and lyricist whose career has spanned six decades. He has starred on and off Broadway, headlined at Carnegie Hall, authored numerous musical reviews, and hosted or performed on a number of television and radio programs over the years.