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.

Abstaining from adding a star rating. Huck Finn is an old book and while this is a watered down, condensed, all-bad-words-removed, kids version of the original, some elements remained-murder, racism, and slavery. I mainly read it for context for another read. I will say I like Huck a lot more than Tom. Tom's still a shitty selfish person in this book, no regard for other people's lives. He deserved the bullet in his leg. Too bad he didn't learn his lesson.

(sorry in advance to the fans out there!) I know this is a “classic,” which is why I wanted to read it. I don’t recall ever reading it as a child, as many young people do. I had just finished The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (to which this is a sequel/spinoff) and rather enjoyed that one. I found this story disappointing in comparison, and the seeming glorification of gaslighting throughout became annoying. If I weren’t tracking books, I probably wouldn’t have finished this.