Percival Everett’s groundbreaking novel James has won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, marking a significant milestone in the author's career. This radical retelling of Mark Twain's classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is narrated from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved character, and has been praised for its profound exploration of themes surrounding race and freedom.
The Pulitzer board lauded James as an "accomplished reconsideration" that "illustrates the absurdity of racial supremacy and provides a new take on the search for family and freedom," according to PBS. The novel has not only won the Pulitzer but has also previously secured the National Book Award, the Kirkus Prize, and the Carnegie Medal for Fiction, establishing Everett as a major voice in contemporary literature.
At 68 years old, Everett has seen his profile rise dramatically in recent years. Despite decades of critical acclaim, he remained relatively unknown to mainstream audiences until the publication of James. The novel, which has sold over a million copies, has been a game-changer for him. Since 2021, he has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize with his novel Telephone, shortlisted for the Booker Prize with The Trees, and won the PEN/Jean Stein Award for Dr. No.
In a statement following the announcement, Everett expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying, "I’m shocked and pleased, but mostly shocked. This is a wonderful honour." His journey has been remarkable, with his 2001 satire Erasure adapted into the Oscar-nominated film American Fiction in 2023, further cementing his influence in the literary world.
Meanwhile, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins also received notable recognition, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play Purpose. This family drama about a Black family grappling with internal strife has garnered six Tony Award nominations, showcasing Jacobs-Jenkins' ability to blend humor with poignant commentary on generational differences in defining heritage. His work continues to resonate in the theater community, solidifying his reputation as one of America’s most vital playwrights.
In addition to his literary achievements, Jacobs-Jenkins recently won a Tony Award for Appropriate, a darkly comedic exploration of family dynamics. His growing prominence is reflected in his role as part of the host committee for the upcoming Met Gala, further extending his influence beyond the stage.
The 2025 Pulitzer winners also included Jason Roberts, who won the Biography category for Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life, and Benjamin Nathans, whose work To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement won in General Nonfiction. In a tie for the History category, Edda L. Fields-Black’s Combee: Harriet Tubman, The Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War and Kathleen DuVal’s Native Nations: A Millennium in North America were both recognized. Marie Howe's New and Selected Poems won the Pulitzer for Poetry, while Susie Ibarra’s Sky Islands, inspired by Philippine rainforests, took home the award for Music.
The announcement of the Pulitzer winners comes at a challenging time for the arts, particularly as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) faces significant funding cuts. The NEA has been a crucial supporter of writers and literary organizations, and both Everett and Howe are past recipients of NEA creative writing fellowships, underscoring the vital role such funding plays in nurturing artistic talent.
Everett’s recent success is not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the ongoing need for diverse voices in literature. His novel James begins with Jim and Huckleberry Finn escaping from their respective oppressors, framing a narrative that challenges readers to reconsider historical perspectives on race and humanity. In this retelling, Jim is portrayed as an educated man who has secretly learned to read and write, contrasting sharply with the limited portrayals of African Americans in historical literature.
Looking ahead, Everett will participate in two significant cultural events in June 2025 as part of the Milanesiana cultural festival in Italy. On June 11, he will be featured in a discussion at the Volvo Studio in Milan, where he will join other notable figures to reflect on contemporary issues of justice. This event promises to be a rich dialogue, moderated by journalist Annalisa Cuzzocrea and including readings and conversations with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond and influential Danish feminist Emma Holten.
The following day, June 12, marks the inauguration of an exhibition titled Percival Everett - Logica Predicativa at the Carlocinque Gallery in Milan. This exhibition will showcase over 20 of Everett's paintings, many of which have never been displayed before. The works, described as rich in color and materiality, aim to evoke emotions that transcend the limitations of words. This exhibition highlights Everett's artistic talents beyond writing, revealing a multifaceted creator who has been painting even before he began his literary career.
As Everett continues to gain recognition, his contributions to literature and the arts serve as a reminder of the importance of diverse narratives and the power of storytelling. His journey from relative obscurity to becoming a Pulitzer Prize winner exemplifies the potential for literature to inspire change and provoke thought in society.
In a world where the arts are often undervalued, the recognition of Everett and Jacobs-Jenkins serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of artists and writers. Their achievements not only celebrate individual talent but also emphasize the necessity of supporting creative endeavors that challenge societal norms and inspire dialogue.
