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Rating: 
Summary: Operates onTwo Levels
Review: The Story: Huck Finn is a boy adopted by an elderly woman, Aunt Polly, because Huck's father is a no-good drunk constantly in trouble with the law. In this pre-Civil War era, Huck's best friend is Jim, a slave who yearns for freedom. Of course, Huck is not socially allowed to acknowledge Jim, a slave, as his friend, even to himself. Huck and Jim "escape" from Aunt Polly's and take off on the mighty Mississippi, in search of freedom. For Huck he wants freedom from Aunt Polly's efforts to civilize him and make him a proper young gentleman. For Jim, it's freedom from slavery he seeks. Along the way, the two encounter many an adventure.Commentary: On one level, this a great adventure novel that portrays the time just before the Civil War. Twain's writing is flawless and effortless to read. There is considerable humor in the book as well. On another level, however, Twain did to slavery what Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker did to more contemporary racism and bigotry: shine a light on it so bright and so clear that the ugliness becomes obvious. Who is the most denigrated character in the book? Jim, for fleeing from slavery. Who is the most caring, loyal, honest, and resourceful character in the book? Jim. The anti-slavery statement is subtle but definite. Overall, this is a great novel with a subtle but important message.
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