{Synopsis} – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn features the story of a young boy, chafed by the “sivilized” restrictions of his foster home, and weary of his drunkard father’s brutality. To escape, 14 year-old Huck Finn fakes his own death and sets off on a raft down the Mississippi River. He is soon joined by Jim, an escaped slave. Together, they experience a series of rollicking adventures that have amused readers, young and old, for over a century. The fugitives become close friends as they weather storms together aboard the raft and spend idyllic days swimming, frying catfish suppers, and enjoying their independence. Their peaceful existence ends abruptly, however, with the appearance of the King and the Duke, an incorrigible pair of con artists who take over the raft. After many difficulties, Huck and Jim escape their tormentors, and with the help of an imaginative rescue by Huck’s old friend Tom Sawyer, Jim gains his freedom. Manga Classics breathes new life into this American Classic with a faithful adaptation of Mark Twain’s masterpiece. Please note: We have maintained a faithful use of Twain’s original text in this adaptation.
{My thoughts} – I remember having to read the original of this story in the 8th grade. It was a required reading in my class at the time. I remember re-reading the first chapter of and over because I was struggling with the way in which it had been written. I didn’t do very well on any of the quizzes that we had been given on that book, I had barely understood it.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The text and the images go together nicely. They help the reader to better understand the story and what is taking place. I think the the images are a nice touch. I didn’t fully understand this book when I’d read it in school, but thanks to this version of the book, I have a clear understanding of the story that Mark Twain was trying to convey to his readers.
I think that this book should be offered as an alternate reading for children that may struggle with the original book. I think that this book has the potential to help children better understand the reading material. I also think that turning the classics into Manga is a great way to get more children interested in reading them.
This particular book covers so many different topics that are universal even in today’s modern world. Friendship, adventure, abusive parents, children’s imagination, running away, fear of one’s life, bad language – all these things happen in today’s world. I really like how the classic story was brought to life. I like how it helps to show children that many of the issues they are dealing with today, were current issues back when the original book was written.
This is a definite must read book for anyone that enjoys the classics, is interested in reading the classics, or is just trying to kill some time with a new book.
Final Conclusion: 5 Star Rating.
