Pym

By: Mat Johnson

Narrated by: JD Jackson

Acclaimed novelist Mat Johnson is the winner of the prestigious Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. After being sacked, American literature professor Chris Jaynes discovers a slave manuscript that seemingly confirms the existence of an “island of pure and utter blackness” as described in Poe’s Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym. Soon Jaynes and a rag-tag crew embark on an epic adventure to discover the truth.

©2011 Mat Johnson (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“An acutely humorous, very original story …” ( Kirkus)

Interesting but strange

3.5 stars. This was a strange book. Part SF, part satire, part exploration of race relations, I found myself interested in where the book was going but also sort of apart from it. It is a bizarre mix and likely an acquired taste. Interesting ideas, interesting execution, intellectual, but odd.

Shaggy dog

A contrived, meandering parable. Labored writing. Read a review that said this was funny book — not in the least. Bogged down with corny racial stereotypes and didactic “lessons.”

A new take on Pym

I stumbled upon the canon of Arthur Gordon Pym by accident--I listened to Loving Day and this book was recommended I decided to go back and listen to the books in chronological order, and this while equally far-fetched has the added interest of an analysis of race both in the previous books and In contemporary America. Definitely worthwhile.

Great story

Fun, funny and insightful. Good writing with commentary on race, humanity and an intriguing story.

I would recommend this book to a friend.

Loved the book and narration. Book will be discussed at a Black Professionals Book Club.