One of the great American novels; just keep in mind the controversial morals.
Plot
This novel is set in the time of legal slavery. Huck, a boy of thirteen, runs away from his drunken father and meets Jim, a runaway slave. They run off together and aim for Cairo and the Ohio River to escape to freedom. However, they run into some trouble along the way. Huck faces his conscience many times throughout the book about whether or not he should be helping Jim escape, and this book is about Huck's experiences and thoughts during the adventures.
Morality
Huck consistently lies and steals from other people. He and Jim break the slavery law throughout the book. There are several murders and kidnappings and beatings through the course of the book. Two frauds swindle dozens of towns and a family.
Spiritual Content
Huck refers to God as either a good, loving Being or a bad, cruel Being. There is superstition throughout the book, and Mr. Twain describes Christians as hypocrites (although indirectly: two families in the story go to the same church and listen to the same sermons yet end up killing each other).
Violence
Beatings, murders, a violent family feud, and a near hanging. These are not described very graphically.
Drug and Alcohol Content
References to tobacco, and Pap gets drunk a lot. Other references to beer pop up, including a town drunk, and the King selling Jim for whiskey.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Ni---r, d--n.
Conclusion
A brilliant book by a brilliant author, although Mr. Twain's views on God and morality were less than noble. Also, this book carries the controversial topic of equality between all people.
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