Read as a companion to Percival Everett’s James. 

Mark Twain’s „The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn“ (1885) is often regarded as one of the most significant works of American literature, praised for its incisive social commentary and pioneering use of vernacular language. However, the novel is not without its flaws — its portrayal of race remains controversial, its narrative structure is uneven, and its ending is widely criticized. While Twain’s satire of 19th-century American society is undeniably powerful, the novel’s moral ambiguity and problematic depictions make it a complex and sometimes troubling read.

Twain’s ability to expose the hypocrisy of so-called “civilized” society is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Through Huck’s eyes, readers see the absurdity of religious dogma, the cruelty of slavery, and the senseless violence of feuding families. Twain’s sharp wit is especially evident in his depiction of Southern aristocracy and the con artists, the Duke and the Dauphin, who exploit the ignorance and gullibility of those around them.

The use of regional dialects was groundbreaking for its time, making the novel feel authentic and immersing readers in Huck’s world, even though slightly hard to read for a present-day reader, especially if they are not a native speaker. Huck himself is a compelling protagonist — his moral dilemmas and internal conflicts make him more than just a mischievous boy on an adventure. His evolving relationship with Jim, the runaway enslaved man, forms the emotional core of the novel.

Despite its apparent critique of slavery, Huckleberry Finn is fraught with racial issues. Twain may have intended Jim to be a sympathetic figure, but he is often depicted in a patronizing and stereotypical manner. His speech, superstitions, and passive role in the story reinforce harmful tropes rather than dismantle them. Although Huck gradually comes to see Jim as a friend, his change of heart is framed as a personal decision rather than a true challenge to the institution of slavery. The novel stops short of fully acknowledging Jim’s humanity and instead uses him as a tool for Huck’s moral growth.

Additionally, the novel’s frequent use of racial slurs, while historically accurate, has made it enraging to read. Some argue that Twain was exposing the racism of his time, while others contend that he failed to move beyond its prejudices. This ambiguity weakens the novel’s anti-racist potential.

One of the most significant criticisms of Huckleberry Finn is its uneven narrative structure. The first two-thirds of the novel are engaging and thought-provoking, but the story loses its momentum when Tom Sawyer reappears. Tom’s elaborate and unnecessary schemes to “rescue” Jim turn what could have been a powerful climax into a frustrating and trivial farce. Instead of allowing Huck to fully develop as a character, Twain reduces him to a passive participant in Tom’s childish games.

„The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn“ remains a landmark in American literature, but its legacy is complicated. While Twain’s satire, use of language, and character development are remarkable, the novel’s racial depictions, structural weaknesses, and unsatisfying conclusion prevent it from being an unqualified masterpiece. It is a novel worth reading and discussing, but also one that demands a critical perspective.

Notes:
- Takes a little bit to get used to the dialects but it clicked pretty smoothly after a few chapters and then was quite easy to read.
- A fun adventurous classic with some very important (and varied!) themes simmering in the background that are explored with just the right amount of salience.
- The story itself doesn't necessarily attract me as other classics do, however the reading experience of this novel is worth its five stars. Plus the point above is just so true that even if my memory of the book isn't going to be five stars, I just can't rate it any lower than that.

This book is… less than stellar. Often meandering and lackadaisical in its plot. I enjoyed the episodic nature of Tom Sawyer, but this book has no real “interesting” developments and ends quite frustratingly. 

I admire the honest approach of racism in society and how it can impact youth, but I really feel that the ending completely unravels all the good nature it had built in the pages before it.

Interested to see how my perspective changes on the story after I read James.

Huck Finn... (Deep breaths.) We may have our differences, but I applaud you. 

In contrast to meeting him in Tom Sawyer, Huck has his own story and character depth lined up for him in spades in this story. We get to see him in a similar light to Tom's, and similar wild but well-meaning shenanigans with a lot of heart, courage, and rather sensitive issues. It was pretty scandalous at the time it was written as well. 

I think Huck is my favorite of the iconic duo. This book is a lot more emboldened than the first, with more obvious comedy in the villains (still not very likable but better than the feared Indin Joe), real and difficult circumstances and choices, and genuine character growth and contrasts in characters with society, virtue, fighting for dreams, and parallels between all. 

This is an important conversation of a book. I am grateful slavery is over and done in America, but hearing about it and learning about it and reading the heart so human in both perspectives of Huck and Jim were beautiful and crucial, as they are now and doing what we can not to let whatever differences we may find divide us and get out of hand. 

As Huck has grown up a bit since we last saw him after TAOTS, so have the stakes and character building. Very real and potentially upsetting experiences happen in this book, not just for the readers who can only imagine based on the merit of the writing, but the genuine experiences of the characters set in times just like them. Beautifully done; this book needs to be read and appreciated more, especially by the younger generation. 
I highly recommend this book and enjoyed experiencing this story for the first time.