Huckleberry Finn, rebel against school and church, casual inheritor of gold treasure, rafter of the Mississippi, and savior of Jim the runaway slave, is the archetypal American maverick.
Fleeing the respectable society that wants to "sivilize" him, Huck Finn shoves off with Jim on a rhapsodic raft journey down the Mississippi River. The two bind themselves to one another, becoming intimate friends and agreeing "there warn't no home like a raft, after all. Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft."
As Huck learns about love, responsibility, and morality, the trip becomes a metaphoric voyage through his own soul, culminating in the glorious moment when he decides to "go to hell" rather than return Jim to slavery.
Mark Twain defined classic as "a book which people praise and don't read"; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a happy exception to his own rule. Twain's mastery of dialect, coupled with his famous wit, has made Huckleberry Finn one of the most loved and distinctly American classics ever written.
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"I finished reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain for school and I really enjoyed it. I had always heard references made about this American classic, so I was excited to see why it had achieved that status. The reasons are very clear. It tells a different story about slavery and how an innocent child sees the truth behind it. Huck, an uneducated child, and Jim, a runaway slave, travel together on a journey to officially free Jim. Throughout their journey, they form a great friendship. I did like the different aspect that Mark Twain took the story to. During the time period, it would be an odd friendship between a white boy and a black slave. Even now it is an unusual friendship considering the difference in age. I did not really enjoy the vernacular Twain used because it is very different from the way people speak now. Back then, ordinary people spoke like that but now it is very difficult to read it unless it is read out loud. I would still recommend the book to others because it is a truly American book. It is written in a very American style with a deep and important meaning.The main conflicts in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are man versus society and man versus self. Society tells Huck that black people are a certain way and they should be treated differently and not as equals. Throughout the book, Huck struggles with ideas towards race and what it all means to him. Eventually he decides that the person within is more important than their outer appearance. Twain’s writing style is very different. He writes very informally due to his character’s personality. Huck is an uneducated teenager so he talks like it in the story. Twain’s diction is very specific to the time period and person. When slavery was common practice, it was not unusual to hear the word “n*****â€, so Huck uses the word multiple times. “Well, one thing was dead sure, and that was that Tom Sawyer was in earnest, and was actuly going to help steal that n***** out of slavery. That was the thing that was too many for me. Here was a boy that was respectable and well brung up; and had a character to lose…†(Twain 233). Twain was not afraid to use improper grammar and misspelled words to make his characters more realistic. Twain’s message from the book is definitely look beyond what you see. Huck was able to get past the color of Jim’s skin to see the great man that was neglected underneath. Twain wanted people to look beyond race and view social norms in a new way and maybe cause them to change their mind. The main example of this is Huck’s journey throughout the book and how he changes."
— Sarah (4 out of 5 stars)
Although he does an expert job with the entire cast, [narrator William] Dufris's delivery of Jim's dialogue is his crowning achievement.…Jim's mind and heart come shining through.
— Publishers Weekly Audio Review" Re-read for a book group, for first time since high school. The antics are familiar, but what I couldn't appreciate in high school was the poetry. Floating down a raft on the Mississippi is a powerful fantasy, and there are sublime passages. I didn't know I would find that this time. "
— John, 2/18/2014" hannah im sorry but i think this book is like boring! i read like 2 chapters and i fell asleep but its kinda okay at the same time because its a classic. "
— Sara, 2/16/2014" I read this as part of my Uni Course and found the criticisms, contextual material, history all very fascinating. The actual text, I found to be dull and repetitive. I felt like I was meandering up and down the same river, listening to the same problems (in various forms) for too, too long. An underrepresentation of women and I didn't find a single character likeable, authentic or 3D at best. "
— Jordan, 2/15/2014" Possibly the greatest story ever told. "
— Jason, 2/15/2014" Fantastic book. The writing is nothing short of magical at times. "
— Bill, 2/14/2014" It was ok. I read it for school. It could have been a lot worse. "
— Kahlea, 2/13/2014" I love the portrayal of a time and place - even in the language used. "
— Laura, 2/13/2014" I'm surprised I liked it as much as I did, especially since I had to read it for school. Waaaay better than Tom Sawyer! (Both the book and the character--I hate him.) "
— Taylor, 2/11/2014" I read this in Jr. High School. I remember reading it out loud in class. The person reading would drop the N***er word and everyone would just freeze and look at Randy-- the only black boy in class. What were we looking to see? If he would blow up? If he was offended? It's not as if he was the only minority in the room. In fact the Mexican-American students outnumbered the white kids. "
— Robert, 2/10/2014" A classic in every sense. I even excuse the last chapter or so, which does not live up to the rest of the book. Please, do not read the sanitized versions available today. The dialect and thankfully out-of-date language are great reminders of how far we have come as a society. Scrubbing them out is a great disservice. "
— Eric, 2/10/2014" I think I basically want to exterminate Tom Sawyer. "
— Micha, 2/9/2014" I'm surprised I liked it as much as I did, especially since I had to read it for school. Waaaay better than Tom Sawyer! (Both the book and the character--I hate him.) "
— Taylor, 2/9/2014" This is another great adventure story that students will enjoy listening to. It takes a look at the life of young adventurous kids in the past and the crazy things they would do for entertainment. "
— Jason, 2/9/2014" Mark Twain reminds me so much of Dickens. You can easily see why this is a seminal work of American literature. In my copy, I highlighted the word "nigger" intending to count. There is now an attempt to republish this work using the word "slave" instead. How sad. The word is historically accurate and quite necessary to Twain's message. "
— Bookman8, 2/8/2014" I listened to this as an audio podcast for free. Go to iTunes and search it out. Amazing to listen to. "
— Nathan, 2/8/2014" Twain, sharp as hell, lets the slavery apologists have it. Terrifying to modern readers with its true to the time use of racist epithets, and uncomfortable beyond that with an educated white man's sympathy-from-high-ground, it remains a fun and witty read, and possibly still a good introduction to oppression and equality for young people. "
— Alan, 2/7/2014" We had to read this book in 10th grade. It was pretty good although Mark Twain wrote in the character's dialect, so sometimes that was difficult to understand. All in all though, it was a great story. I feel like I should read it again to see if I understand it better 12 years later. "
— Kayla, 2/6/2014" I don't care what anyone says. I still prefer Tom Sawyer. "
— Justin, 2/6/2014" The things of boyhood dreams. "
— Dale, 2/6/2014" I read this transport-of-delight as a boy, and 60 years later it still has the power to make me determined to run away and float down the Mississippi! What tales - and told by such a tale-spinner. A book that has, ever since, made me fascinated by any book about a river. Mark Twain - if I had a hat on, I'd take it off to you! Marvellous, marvellous... "
— Roger, 2/6/2014" Great, clean, fun, well written book. I liked Tom Sawyer better though. "
— Dustin, 2/6/2014" An American classic that is worth a read, regardless of the readers background. "
— Philip, 2/5/2014" Wonderful! I never get tired of rereading this story.I read it the first time when I was eight and now I'm 54. I've gotten to see the story in a new perspective with each reading. This is truly a classic. One of my top two favorite books of all time. "
— Robert, 2/5/2014" I haven't read this book since I was a kid, so I forgot how much I want to punch Tom Sawyer in the face. Yet that's part of the genius of Mark Twain (I'm calling him Twain because I'm not one of those snooty people who insist on always calling him Samuel Clemens); he makes me care enough to want to punch Tom Sawyer in the face. "
— Emily, 2/4/2014" Read aloud to Eryn and JOnas. Difficult to read aloud but a wonderful story! "
— Anita, 2/3/2014" What can you say about a classic? It is simple fun, great journey and unforgettable. "
— Stacy, 2/2/2014" Read this in high school, but I think if I re-read it as a adult I'd probably appreciate it more. "
— Peg, 2/2/2014" One of my favorite books that I read as a child and many times since then. Hemingway rightly said American fiction begins and ends with Huck Finn. "
— Shauli, 1/31/2014" 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, 1/30/2014" My honest opinion on this book is that although I did not want to enjoy it, I actually did! Huck is a character someone like me is interested in and enjoyed following him and Jim on their many exciting adventures. I highly recommend it..but the way Mark Twain writes this book may be off putting, but after a few chapters in, its actually quite easy. The book never becomes dull or bland because Huck is always moving from place to place looking for new adventures. Its almost like the are a ton of mini stories within one big one. What makes the book exciting is that although Huck continues to move forward in his life and searches for new adventures, his past continues to try and hold him back. "
— Eric, 1/30/2014" The book is filled with adventure and life lessons. Even at the time it was written, the meaning still stays true today. The only thing disappointing was that Twain undid everything the book was leading up to at the end. The end went back to the beginning. I believe Twain spends a little too much time on details, rather than the story itself. His use of language is great though! Huckleberry Finn is a good book to read if you are looking for entertainment and a good life lesson. Great if you enjoy adventure, history, and realistic fiction. "
— Jaraka, 1/29/2014" This was my favorite book in High School. It got me writing and writing, inspiring me to this day to continue my journey as an author. "
— Brandon, 1/27/2014" Long time, since I was a child. I can still remmeber how funny was.. "
— Jawdat, 1/27/2014" 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, 1/26/2014" He's such a punk. I hated the book. "
— Ella, 1/25/2014" One of the reasons I have never read Jane Smiley was for the tirade against this book that she went on in the 1980s. Yes, this novel has the N word in it. Yes it makes me uncomfortable to read it. Yes, this is simply one of the greatest American novels. "
— Bill, 1/24/2014" Thumping good read. Funny as deuce at some parts, slightly, suspiciously...odd at others, (Huck and Jim, naked together on the raft) and all around excellent. Much better than its puny predecessor, Tom Sawyer. "
— T.E., 1/24/2014" I read this transport-of-delight as a boy, and 60 years later it still has the power to make me determined to run away and float down the Mississippi! What tales - and told by such a tale-spinner. A book that has, ever since, made me fascinated by any book about a river. Mark Twain - if I had a hat on, I'd take it off to you! Marvellous, marvellous... "
— Roger, 1/23/2014" Light-hearted and also eye-opening. It exposes readers to a time period that most know very little about. I learned about the interactions between blacks and whites in the south before civil rights, but after independence. It's happy and depressing at the same time. The fact that it's told from a young boys perspective made me love the story so much more, because young boys are some of the most optimistic humans alive. "
— Lauren, 1/22/2014" This was not my favorite. I had to read it for school. My older brother read it and loved it, but I thought it was boring and moved very fast. I got confused easier and often. "
— Gretchen, 1/21/2014" I read this a long time ago (while riding the school bus) and I remember it as a vivid and engrossing adventure. Much much better read than "Tom Sawyer". "
— Matthew, 1/21/2014" Wow! It had been so long since I read this book. Frankly, I was a child - and now about a million years later, I realize that this is definitely an adult book! The themes of freedom and doing what's right (even when it is against society norms) come through loud and strong. Mark Twain is also a master at humor in the written word. Really an enjoyable read and I won't wait another million years to read it again. "
— Cherri, 1/21/2014" Mark Twain is one of my fave writers love this book I read it every couple of years "
— Jenny, 1/20/2014" "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, 1/19/2014" The book was hard to follow and I really didn't enjoy it. It wasn't my type of book either. I usually enjoy fiction but this book wasn't what I thought it would be. "
— Lynzi, 1/19/2014" it was an amazing book, Huck is the boy that every boy wants to be. "
— Jordan, 1/18/2014" I read this as part of my Uni Course and found the criticisms, contextual material, history all very fascinating. The actual text, I found to be dull and repetitive. I felt like I was meandering up and down the same river, listening to the same problems (in various forms) for too, too long. An underrepresentation of women and I didn't find a single character likeable, authentic or 3D at best. "
— Jordan, 1/18/2014" 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, 1/15/2014" I listened to this audiobook via Librivox. It's such a great story. I was taken in by all of the adventure and shenanigans throughout the book. By the end of the book, I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath over what would happen to 'a certain someone'. I loved every minute of this book. "
— Lesa, 1/14/2014" Twain was such a great storyteller. He spins quite a yarn. Beside all the symbolism of the raft and the river, it is just a great ride. "
— Michell, 1/13/2014" Great book... till the ending made all the events in the story almost entirely worthless "
— Ampion, 1/13/2014" 1.5 stars - and those only for Twain's ability to accurately portray the time and his great character building. Unfortunately, the story itself never could keep my interest and I finally gave up at 47% through. The ignorance, racism, and southern grammar of the times were such detractors and at times jarring. The characters get into so many "fixes" that I soon began to care less how they would get out of the current situation. Meh. "
— Cher, 1/12/2014" What can you say about a classic? It is simple fun, great journey and unforgettable. "
— Stacy, 1/10/2014" 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, 1/9/2014" What else can I say? An American classic. "
— Shelly, 1/8/2014" classic. read it five times! "
— Mara, 1/8/2014" I finished reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain for school and I really enjoyed it. I had always heard references made about this American classic, so I was excited to see why it had achieved that status. The reasons are very clear. It tells a different story about slavery and how an innocent child sees the truth behind it. Huck, an uneducated child, and Jim, a runaway slave, travel together on a journey to officially free Jim. Throughout their journey, they form a great friendship. I did like the different aspect that Mark Twain took the story to. During the time period, it would be an odd friendship between a white boy and a black slave. Even now it is an unusual friendship considering the difference in age. I did not really enjoy the vernacular Twain used because it is very different from the way people speak now. Back then, ordinary people spoke like that but now it is very difficult to read it unless it is read out loud. I would still recommend the book to others because it is a truly American book. It is written in a very American style with a deep and important meaning. The main conflicts in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are man versus society and man versus self. Society tells Huck that black people are a certain way and they should be treated differently and not as equals. Throughout the book, Huck struggles with ideas towards race and what it all means to him. Eventually he decides that the person within is more important than their outer appearance. Twain’s writing style is very different. He writes very informally due to his character’s personality. Huck is an uneducated teenager so he talks like it in the story. Twain’s diction is very specific to the time period and person. When slavery was common practice, it was not unusual to hear the word “n*****â€, so Huck uses the word multiple times. “Well, one thing was dead sure, and that was that Tom Sawyer was in earnest, and was actuly going to help steal that n***** out of slavery. That was the thing that was too many for me. Here was a boy that was respectable and well brung up; and had a character to lose…†(Twain 233). Twain was not afraid to use improper grammar and misspelled words to make his characters more realistic. Twain’s message from the book is definitely look beyond what you see. Huck was able to get past the color of Jim’s skin to see the great man that was neglected underneath. Twain wanted people to look beyond race and view social norms in a new way and maybe cause them to change their mind. The main example of this is Huck’s journey throughout the book and how he changes. "
— Sarah, 1/8/2014" The adventures of Huckleberry Finn was a very good book. It kept me wondering what was gonna happen next. But what really made me feel bad about Huckleberry was that his mom was dead and nobody thought that his dad was alive until he can to his house and kidnapped him for no reason. Can't wait to read the adventures of Tom Sawyer.:) I'll keep u updated with my latest books I'm reading or have read currently;) "
— Rebekah, 1/8/2014" It's a real classic. Tough read, and not my type of book, but I feel it's a must for all students. "
— Derek, 1/7/2014" The novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a timeless classic written by the "Great American author", Mark Twain. It makes readers laugh out loud on one page, then by the next they are tearing up with emotion. In my opinion, though it is one of the greatest novels of our time, I did not personally enjoy The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It was very difficult for me to read and I would find myself having to read pages over again out of confusion. It was also quite hard for me to stay awake while reading it. Given this, I do not mean to turn people off to the idea of reading this novel. It is indeed a classic novel with adventure and humor. It was enjoyable on many occasions, constantly keeping readers guessing if Huck and Jim will succeed with their journey. I would recommend this novel to those with a higher reading level that are also accustomed to the type of old language Twain uses in his novel. This book is not necessarily for everyone, but there is a definite reason it is referred to as the great American novel. There are many conflicts that occur throughout the whole novel. The main conflict, however, is man versus society. Both Huck and Jim flee from their town in hopes of being free men in Cairo. Huck is running from his father, who locks him up and occasionally abuses him. Jim, on the other hand, is running from slavery. They both want to escape the horrors of society and live in a place where they can be free and not controlled by someone. The writing style is quite difficult to fully comprehend, in my opinion. The opening sentence to the novel is "You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," but that ain't no matter" (Twain 1). That sentence in itself is very difficult to understand. Most of the novel is moderately confusing, in my opinion. Twain tends to go on tangents as well, explaining minor events with an intense amount of detail. This style of writing is not particularly enjoyable for me, however most seem to look beyond it. The novel contained some very important themes in its pages. In my opinion, the main theme was how society has a way of controlling people. In the story, Huck believed he should turn Jim in, but being out in the water away from other people, he did not have to conform to their thoughts about slavery. Huck was free to make his own decisions and form his own opinions. This resulted in him keeping Jim safe and free from slavery as long as he could. If he was still in the town he came from, he would not have helped Jim in fear of the people looking down at him and telling him it is wrong to think that way. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has it's good and bad factors, but in conclusion it is an extremely powerful story with important themes that everyone should learn. "
— Natalie, 1/5/2014" It was ok. I read it for school. It could have been a lot worse. "
— Kahlea, 1/4/2014" I don't care what anyone says. I still prefer Tom Sawyer. "
— Justin, 1/3/2014" This is - and I'm going to be controversial here, I know - an excellent book. I am embarrassed - and a little upset with my high school English teachers - that this is the first time I'm reading it. "
— Levi, 1/2/2014" Exciting, have to get used to the language in the beginning though "
— Alert, 1/2/2014" I read this book and I really liked it. It has a very nice character progression and the story is very nice. Mark Twain makes the story very believable and makes us travel to that time period and to a certain time. it is a very incredible book written by an incredible writer. "
— Utsav, 1/1/2014" Couldn't put it down :) "
— Neda, 12/29/2013" Mark Twain, a genius, a true American, a writer among the best of the best. Many would call his writing crass, lazy, informal, maybe even illiterate. But that's the beauty of his writing. He captures the essence of the (American) English language and brings us along with the characters on their journeys through life. I can see every tree, every facial expression, every sunrise and sunset, every action as he vividly describes Huck's adventures. This book is one of my true favorites. "
— Poppy, 12/29/2013" A very good book to start at very young age. Advise your youngsters to read it to develop some values. I have read the translation as boy but want to read the English one as a man. "
— Sabouram, 12/29/2013" Possibly the greatest wok of American literature. A wonderful book, as well. "
— Alfred, 12/27/2013" A must read for everyone. Many thought-provoking ideas. "
— Shelley, 12/27/2013" I read this book years ago and LOVED it. Full of adventure, I got a kick out of Huckleberry Finn. "
— Zabel, 12/27/2013" I read this too young. Need to read it again. "
— Mary, 12/25/2013" Insists on itself. Classic? Not for me tiger. "
— Getout, 12/22/2013" Mark Twain never ceases to amaze me. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a read filled with adventure and trouble! Huckleberry Finn is a lively boy filled with too many ideas for his own good. I would recommend this novel to any one who enjoys reading the classics. "
— Alexandria, 12/22/2013" An American classic that is worth a read, regardless of the readers background. "
— Philip, 12/21/2013" I listened to this as an audio podcast for free. Go to iTunes and search it out. Amazing to listen to. "
— Nathan, 12/18/2013" I had to read this book for English this term. It was really hard to get through but I'm glad it's over. "
— Renee, 12/17/2013" Everyone should read this book every few years. You get something new from it every time. Absolutely timeless. "
— Brigitte, 12/15/2013" 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, 12/14/2013" The local color is what I stumbled on, plus the logic of the Huck's conscience. Not much made sense to me. "
— Gabrielle, 12/13/2013" 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, 12/13/2013" An excellent well written classic, recommended read to everyone "
— Phillip, 12/12/2013" One word to describe this in my mind: BORING! "
— Ashton, 12/10/2013" Tom Sawyer was leagues better. Huck Finn feels more like a jumbled string of vignettes, and while I respect Twain/Clemens for his use of satire, I can't say it's a favorite. "
— Cody, 12/10/2013" My ninth graders got into this book's use of dialect and fun descriptions of a young man's journey. It deals with issues everyone can relate to; growing up, going to school, obeying authority, stereotypes, friendship, and of course the great metaphor of the river and life's journey. "
— Grace, 12/8/2013" I says, I says, I says, and Jim doesn't says nuffn else... Lmao ;'D "
— Rachael, 12/6/2013" Every reading reveals new insights about our American experience. A wonderful classic! "
— Debbie, 12/6/2013" He's such a punk. I hated the book. "
— Ella, 12/6/2013" I say if you read Tom Sawyer read this one too. The ending gets good. I do agree with my English class that everything wrapped up in the end, but i like that it did. This wasn't my favorite book and neither was Tom Sawyer, but they were good and less boring than some other books I've read that were older. "
— Leslie, 12/2/2013" 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, 12/2/2013" Not my kind of book. "
— Johnni, 12/1/2013" 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, 11/27/2013" My ninth graders got into this book's use of dialect and fun descriptions of a young man's journey. It deals with issues everyone can relate to; growing up, going to school, obeying authority, stereotypes, friendship, and of course the great metaphor of the river and life's journey. "
— Grace, 11/23/2013" I've had I read it for two different classes. It really is good, just not what I'm interested in. "
— Melanie, 11/22/2013" Such a sucker for old classics. Love this book. "
— Shannon, 11/18/2013" How Mark Twain wrote in that dialect was amazing. It made it a little difficult for me to read, since my mind had to sound words out to figure what he meant to say. All part of the charm. I didn't care for some of the incidents in the story. But considering the time it was written, it was acceptable behavior. "
— Donna, 11/14/2013" Great, clean, fun, well written book. I liked Tom Sawyer better though. "
— Dustin, 11/10/2013" The first great American novel.... "
— Raymond, 11/5/2013" I love the portrayal of a time and place - even in the language used. "
— Laura, 11/3/2013" This really is a book that everyone should read. It addresses key issues in a non obtrusive way so as to make as few people as possible upset with the author. "
— Hunter, 10/30/2013" The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is about a young boy who helps a runaway slave get away from the farm he's on which is Huck's farm. Huck had always believed slavery was the right thing to do but quickly learned while on his travels with Jim, the runaway, that slavery destroys the black community's way of life and tears their families apart. While on their adventures Huck helps hide Jim and think for Jim but Jim returns the favor by caring deeply about Huck and watching out for his well being. Jim ends up getting turned in by two frauds that they worked with for awhile on their journey. Huck and his cousin Tom help get Jim back out of slavery again from Tom's farm with a very unnecessarily complicated plan that ends up working out. Then they find out that Jim's been freed since he left Huck's farm. "
— Trevor, 10/29/2013" This book is a good read for Children and adults. However, it is not a light read and needs a bit of concentration to understand the Southern American Accents. Not really suitable to read on a train! "
— Vicky, 10/22/2013" Classic Twain. Haven't read since I was a kid. It was nice to go back in time again. "
— Kevin, 10/21/2013" 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, 10/17/2013" I didn't like this book when I read it, but looking back on it when I have more background in US history, I like it a lot. If you don't have the historical background, though, this is a tough book to relate to. I should reread it sometime. "
— Rachael, 10/16/2013" Who doesn't love a tale of a mischievous boy? Loved it! "
— Becky, 10/15/2013" This book is a classic with excellent flow. A good story with offensive dialogue from the time. "
— Roy, 10/5/2013" I highly enjoyed this book, surprisingly. Although the dialect was sort of hard to understand, especially when Jim was talking. However, I enjoyed how Mark Twain wrote in the vernacular. "
— Meredith, 10/4/2013" One of my favorites. I've read it several times. I remember the first time reading it through, laughing out loud on several occasions. "
— Timothy, 9/25/2013" liked it a lot, though the part about freeing jim seemed too stupid for words. "
— David, 9/23/2013" 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, 9/22/2013" Sad didn't enjoy this book couldn't even finish it "
— Aarun, 9/22/2013" Love Huckleberry Finn!! Reminds me of being in elementary. "
— Natalie, 9/22/2013" I LIKE IT ! it did teach me a lot "
— Nada, 9/11/2013" Such a great book. I would suggest reading Tom Sawyer first. These books are companions, and I was endeared to Huck's innate goodness despite his neglectful and abusive upbringing. I liked this storyline more than Tom Sawyer-this was faster paced. "
— Amy, 9/8/2013" A very good book to start at very young age. Advise your youngsters to read it to develop some values. I have read the translation as boy but want to read the English one as a man. "
— Sabouram, 9/7/2013" I'm glad I read this book (can't remember if I'd read it before) - "
— Beckie, 8/29/2013" In my Top Ten Desert Island books. "
— Cathy, 8/29/2013" You can fill the Boston "
— Joe, 8/14/2013" I listened to the audiobook "
— Lauretta, 8/1/2013" Another classic I put off far too long to read. "
— Morgan, 7/11/2013" This story became the catalyst of the american and european imagination. It is interesting to compare him with heros that actually existed. How much was projected on the boy. Huck Finn lives forever but always slightly different and idealized. Got to thesource and drink the water. "
— Martin, 7/10/2013" Read this 30 years ago and loved all things river boats as a result. Was so inspired by Twain (Clemens) that I included him and the book in one of my novels. "
— Lorraine, 7/9/2013" Fantastic book. The writing is nothing short of magical at times. "
— Bill, 7/8/2013" Why am I surprised I liked this book? "
— Samantha, 7/4/2013" This was a crazy book!! I liked the overall story and plot! This book is placed in the middle of slavery and much racial upheaval! There is a lot of racial slurs and profanity used!! ;) some parts are hard to read because he tried to write like how the character might sound. "
— Mason, 7/1/2013" What can you say about a classic? It is simple fun, great journey and unforgettable. "
— Stacy, 6/27/2013" 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, 6/25/2013" I remember reading this as a kid and loving the idea of a little boy on the run from the adults who wanted him to change. Looking back now, I realise that this amazing book was about a little boy who had to grow up to face the harsh realities of the world, having great adventures along the way. "
— Shadhah, 6/25/2013" this is really a great book.A very good one for kids.A great American Novel bt Mark Twain.A grrat adventure. "
— Falcon, 6/16/2013" Upon re-reading, not a big fan of this. Just a bit repetitive and then abruptly ends. "
— Katiedavis, 6/13/2013" Great book. Hope they never take it out of required HS reading. "
— Matthew, 6/12/2013" was obligated to read that book for school! So bad and boring! still less worst than Tom Sawyer though "
— Gabyby, 6/10/2013" A required read from school, I was not a fan. The storyline didn't hold my attention as I expected. "
— Samara, 5/30/2013" It was okay, but I thought it wasn't very amazing. Not worth it. :( "
— Kaylee, 5/28/2013" Great book! One of the best! "
— Brian, 5/22/2013" Upon re-reading, not a big fan of this. Just a bit repetitive and then abruptly ends. "
— Katiedavis, 5/22/2013" It was okay, but I thought it wasn't very amazing. Not worth it. :( "
— Kaylee, 5/21/2013" Probably one of my least favorite required readings ever. It's a disjointed story about a hobo, and I agree with it's earlier critics in saying it's just garbage. "
— Andrea, 4/29/2013" This book is ok I guess "
— Kylei, 4/29/2013" It was a great read! I really enjoy the situations Huck Finn found himself in, and the ways he often solved them. "
— Regan, 4/28/2013" 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, 3/24/2013" This is my all time favorite book. It has great characters and never ending plot twists. "
— Lucer131, 3/5/2013" Classic Twain. Haven't read since I was a kid. It was nice to go back in time again. "
— Kevin, 2/27/2013" Upon re-reading, not a big fan of this. Just a bit repetitive and then abruptly ends. "
— Katiedavis, 2/26/2013" Who wouldn't like Mark Twain? Great book. "
— Sherida, 2/24/2013" create schema of language used... derogatory terms used, should clarify (multiculturalism) "
— Sarah, 2/16/2013" ANYTHING by Mark Twain is worth reading. "
— Linda, 2/13/2013" I didn't get all the way through this book because I didn't enjoy it. The pace of the story was slow and didn't make much sense. "
— Alissa, 2/12/2013" Was assigned for my class to read by my English teacher, haha. I actually liketed it :) "
— Meleah, 1/28/2013" The things of boyhood dreams. "
— Dale, 1/8/2013" To me, this was a very bad book. I did not see any point to it and felt like I was reading the writing of a first grader. I would not read this book again. "
— Zach, 12/29/2012" The first great American novel.... "
— Raymond, 12/27/2012" fun to read tho wanted to knock some sense into Tom Sawyer... "
— Alison, 12/14/2012" Huckleberry Finn is without doubt a work of genius. If you haven't read it, you should. If its been a while since your last reading you should visit it again. "
— David, 12/6/2012" Good entertaining and humorous book with fascinating characters. "
— Leon, 11/19/2012" Story is OK, but it is the writing of Twain that stands this book (and all his works) tall. For all ages, and for all the ages. "
— Long, 11/13/2012" 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, 10/29/2012" I think everyone should read this book. I am eternally grateful to my fourth grade teacher for making me read it! "
— Heather, 10/12/2012" One of the better books we read for school, kind of crazy and very sarcastic.... "
— Chloe, 10/10/2012" What can you say about a classic? It is simple fun, great journey and unforgettable. "
— Stacy, 9/30/2012" Must read for any lover of literature. "
— Cary, 9/10/2012" A book that everyone knows, but few have read from cover to cover. Twain's masterpiece is worth your revisiting if you haven't looked at a copy since high school ... and if you never got around to reading it for yourself, do so immediately. "
— Terry, 8/16/2012" i was having fun until tom sawyer came in and ruined it all. "
— Jane, 8/4/2012" It's a classic but the dialect was hard to get into. Not my taste but worth the time. "
— Madison, 8/2/2012" it was a really great book and it captured my attention from the very start! "
— Alyssa, 7/23/2012" Sad didn't enjoy this book couldn't even finish it "
— Aarun, 7/5/2012" Really did not enjoy this book. I found it boring and pretty awful. You think Huck learns a good lesson but in the end he is unable to put it all together and reverts to his old ways. "
— Corinne, 6/28/2012" One of my favorite books that I read as a child and many times since then. Hemingway rightly said American fiction begins and ends with Huck Finn. "
— Shauli, 6/20/2012" How is it possible that I never read this book in its entirety until now?! Wonderful, truly briliant novel. "
— Laurie, 6/12/2012" Huckleberry Finn is very cunning and his interesting view of life and personal experiences were fun to read about. "
— Parker, 6/5/2012" I'm surprised I liked it as much as I did, especially since I had to read it for school. Waaaay better than Tom Sawyer! (Both the book and the character--I hate him.) "
— Taylor, 6/5/2012" Read in high school...true classic. "
— Erica, 5/11/2012" We liked Tom Sawyer better! "
— Charla, 4/28/2012" Great, clean, fun, well written book. I liked Tom Sawyer better though. "
— Dustin, 4/5/2012" Read aloud to Eryn and JOnas. Difficult to read aloud but a wonderful story! "
— Anita, 3/28/2012" of all the books I had ot read for school, this is probably the only one that didn't suck so bad i wanted to shred it and burn the remains. Actually this book turned out to be a great tale even though it's quite slow and took serious effort to develop an interest in it. "
— Kwon, 3/25/2012" Read this in high school, but I think if I re-read it as a adult I'd probably appreciate it more. "
— Peg, 3/4/2012" I read this book years ago and LOVED it. Full of adventure, I got a kick out of Huckleberry Finn. "
— Zabel, 2/14/2012" Huckleberry Finn ranks near the top of my list of all-time great fictional characters. "
— Joan, 2/11/2012" Even though this was an assignment for English class, I really enjoyed this book! "
— Annmarie, 1/28/2012" ofcourseeee!!! its the bestttt amongst all Mark Twain's :) :) luving the character of huckleberry... but tom sawyer totally stole his thunder :) one luvly buk not matter how old yu r :) "
— Gayathri, 1/12/2012" The most important and perfect novel in the English language. According to me. Period. "
— Sariah, 12/24/2011" It's an adventure story that seems like a never ending stream of bad ideas. "
— gbcjr, 12/10/2011" Greatest book I ever read when I first read it. "
— Scott, 12/10/2011" I never stop finding new ways to teach this novel. The American character is fully and rightly explored on every page. "
— Amy, 11/26/2011" Mark Twain, you trick us into calling ourselves fools with this book. I'm starting to stretch for my 20 book ratings. "
— Derek, 11/10/2011" This book was so bad, I had to skim it for the class in which it was covered. Total nonsense. Literary critics are right in their dismissal of the bizarre turns this book takes, along with its racist caricature of Jim. Stick with the imaginative first, ignore this sequel/spin-off. "
— Chris, 11/6/2011" This book was so thoroughly shoved down my throat during EVERY stage of my education that I have no IDEA if I like it or not. I'll read it in my fifties, after my palate has time to clear, and decide then. "
— Therese, 11/5/2011" Ended up really liking this! A quirky story with some social commentary thrown in. "
— Priya, 11/4/2011" I really liked this book, even if it is a guys book. It was funny and made me really fall in love with all his characters! "
— Design, 11/3/2011" I read this about 1977 and had forgotten most of the story. Listening to this audiobook was a great refresher and a terrific way to experience the dialects that Twain represented in this classic American novel. "
— Steven, 11/2/2011" Love mark twain! Very interesting adventure story if you are into that kind of book. I read it in high school and found it a fun read "
— Jackie, 11/1/2011" Reading this out loud after having visited Mark Twain's childhood home in Hannibal, MO. This is my 3rd time reading it, and I'm not sure America has ever produced anything better than this, stronger, more moral. "
— Rebecca, 10/31/2011" Read this slowly over several weeks of traveling... "
— Shaun, 10/26/2011" Each time I read this I get more out of it because I see more in it. "
— Carl, 9/11/2011" I love this book almost as much as Tom Sawyer it is one of those read over and over again books. "
— Sandy, 9/9/2011" a great classic, take the time to get used to the way it was written, and remember it was a long time ago... but I enjoyed it. "
— Eddie, 8/30/2011" 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, 8/20/2011" Never read this before. Really enjoyed it. "Mark Twain" was a brilliant writer. "
— Roses2u, 6/29/2011" Read it as a teenager - it's worth a re-read. "
— Margaret, 6/28/2011" Gets better with each read. There is more to Jim than meets the eye. "
— Mimy, 6/27/2011" Well, it was amazing until Tom Sawyer showed up. What the fuck, dude, that kid is annoying and totally ruins everything. "
— Mike, 6/26/2011" This was one of my all time favorite books that a teacher made me read. Such adventure and humor. I think everyone should read this one. "
— Angel, 6/24/2011" Great book... till the ending made all the events in the story almost entirely worthless "
— Ampion, 6/24/2011" Fantastic read, a book that everyone should experience! "
— Tuesday's, 6/23/2011" A re-read of a classic that gets better every time it is read. "
— Joe, 6/23/2011" I read it at school and did not expect to like it at all but really enjoyed it. "
— Di, 6/23/2011" Come on... Who doesn't love Huckleberry Finn?? "
— Ric, 6/22/2011" its a nice book with suspence "
— Kolhe.shivam, 6/21/2011" A classicmtale, and a good one, i had to read it in school and didn't mind it at all, a pretty good and gripping book. "
— Andrea, 6/21/2011" Every break from school I get, I try to read a classic novel. Sometimes it's a hideous ordeal, sometimes, you can really see why it's a classic. This one fell into the later group. "
— Paige, 6/20/2011" Mark Twain was a totally great writer for the era he wrote during and about. I read this as a teen and enjoyed it greatly. "
— Mary, 6/9/2011" Couldn't put it down :) "
— Neda, 5/29/2011" 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, 5/25/2011" Fascinating study of time and place long gone. Difficult word makes teh reality work, but so glad we don't live in a country that accepts it now. "
— Karen, 5/25/2011" I was too young when I read this book--I liked it, but I want to go back to it. Twain is an amazing writer, and I'm sure I'd get more out of it now. "
— Patty, 5/24/2011" 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" 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" 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" I thought it was good but not great. "
— Steven, 5/22/2011" Maybe my expectations were too high. "
— Judi, 5/21/2011" 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" 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" 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" 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, 5/14/2011" 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, 5/14/2011" One of the greatest American novels. "
— Raffles, 5/14/2011" 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, 3/6/2011" 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, 1/3/2011" 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, 10/15/2010" This is one of those books where the ending sneaks up on you. A classic. The book is far better than any movie version I've seen.. "
— Bill, 10/13/2010" a great classic, take the time to get used to the way it was written, and remember it was a long time ago... but I enjoyed it. "
— Eddie, 10/10/2010" I love the way Mark Twain can represent dialects in his writing, and the this particular story was very entertaining. "
— Dan, 8/24/2010" It's a classic. Every reader should read this as one of the first books in our library. Fun adventure. Easy read "
— Oliver, 7/27/2010" Was assigned for my class to read by my English teacher, haha. I actually liketed it :) "
— Meleah, 2/18/2010" Huckleberry Finn ranks near the top of my list of all-time great fictional characters. "
— Joan, 11/30/2009" Helped my little brother complete this got summer reading, super hard broken English to understand, but I guess its a classic... "
— Jenna, 11/23/2009" In my Top Ten Desert Island books. "
— Cathy, 10/4/2009" Classic American literature very descriptive of life along the Missippippi River. "
— Ted, 9/23/2009" Laugh out loud situational comedy with big themes. Be healed by it. "
— Greg, 8/20/2009" I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like I have learned a lot from it. "
— Carla, 5/27/2009" Read in high school...true classic. "
— Erica, 4/10/2009" I reaaally like this book, though nothing beats Tom Sawyer ;) "
— Sonja, 2/28/2009" In my Top Ten Desert Island books. "
— Cathy, 2/3/2009" This was a pretty good book. Although, it is definitely not one I would willingly read on my own. I had to read this for my Advanced American Literature class, and that is the only reason it is currently on my bookshelf. "
— Tarkaneea, 10/1/2008" We had to read this book in 10th grade. It was pretty good although Mark Twain wrote in the character's dialect, so sometimes that was difficult to understand. All in all though, it was a great story. I feel like I should read it again to see if I understand it better 12 years later. "
— Kayla, 9/4/2008" Racist by today's standards, but an American classic. "
— Adrienne, 3/2/2008" Was assigned for my class to read by my English teacher, haha. I actually liketed it :) "
— Meleah, 11/14/2007" I wanted to love this because it's Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn! But I didn't love it. It was okay, but not a favorite read for me. It didn't hold my interest and I found myself wishing I was further along than I was. "
— Kim, 11/9/2007Mark 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.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.